2.30pm 17 September 2022
Ardal League, South East
Blaenavon Blues 0 Abertillery Bluebirds 2 (att 131)
It was a short but scenic drive from Mardy to Blaenavon, and a jump of three levels to the Ardal League South East, one of four regional divisions that make up the third tier of Welsh football.
The Ardal Leagues are relatively new, but there wasn't even a national league for Wales when I visited Blaenavon at their former ground back in April 1990. They were in the Welsh League then, but many of the years since have been spent in the Gwent League.
Promotion was earned last season and Blaenavon have made a solid start to life at this level. They couldn't add to their points tally against Abertillery though, falling to two second half goals.
The home side squandered a chance to go in front when a first half penalty was saved. With about 20 minutes remaining they conceded a spot kick, and Abertillery's penalty taker showed how it should be done by scoring empathically. A late second completed a deserved win for the Bluebirds.
Like many venues in this part of Wales, Blaenavon's Memorial Ground is blessed with great views of the surrounding countryside. The pitch is tightly hemmed in, not surprisingly in an area where flat land must be at a premium.
It's effectively three-sided for spectators, unless you're prepared to scramble between trees on a steep hill. There's a seated stand one side, and a clubhouse behind the goal nearest the entrance.
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