HIGHADMIT SOUTH WALES ALLIANCE

PREMIER DIVISION

PONTLOTTYN ............. 12 LLANGYNWYD RANGERS ...................... 0

THIS has to be marked down as one of the blackest days in the proud history of Llangynwyd Rangers, writes Tony Poole.

One of their heaviest defeats has hammered home the point that the Llynfi Valley side has already recognised that they will now have to start rebuilding in Division One next winter.

It’s difficult at the moment for the club to comprehend which is the best way forward.

Seemingly, it has to be a case of them sticking with young players – they have little other choice.

But it’s a double-edged sword, as heavy defeats like they’ve just suffered at Pontlottyn could leave scars and lead to young players not only drifting away from the Llan Siro but the game.

The underlying problem at the club remains the dreadful state of the ground and pitch drainage which causes so many games to be postponed.

Players get disenchanted when there isn’t regular weekend action during the winter months – and this has gone on far too long at Llan Rangers.

The other main reason for the rapid decline – and a major factor in any revival – is the need to bring in senior players.

A lot of big players from last season failed to commit to Llan this time around, resulting in these landslide defeats.

It’s not a new problem by any means, but one that local clubs often have to face up to.

Blame isn’t being proportioned in any particular direction, but it now seems a case of Llan looking towards next season before any kind of recovery can be launched.

On Saturday, Llan Rangers travel to the side immediately above them in the table – Grange Albion.