BIG things are expected from Llangefni Town this season as they look to finally reach the Huws Gray Alliance.

Chris Roberts has showed tremendous faith in the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side, turning down an offer to manage in the second tier in favour of trying to lead his hometown club on their promotion chase.

They have found one-too good in the last two seasons but they fact they were more than a match for treble-winning Conwy Borough before fading late is a testament to the talent they have within the set-up.

Cefni have lost talented youngster Harry Galeotti to Holyhead Hotspur, but Roberts has brought in significant reinforcements that rightfully have them placed as the favourites to secure the title next spring.

One thing they do have to overcome is their opening to the season. Their first five fixtures are all away from home within a short period of time against some dangerous opposition, so they will need to hit the ground running if they are to avoid further complications further down the road.

There is a quiet confidence within the squad in terms of what they can achieve this season, and in Roberts they have a very talented manager who gets the very best out of his players, something that has seen them punch well above their weight when you consider the resources available to them.

They are going to have to improve during the run-in that has hampered them significantly in their pursuit of glory, and their character and togetherness will need to be at its very best from first game until last if they want to secure the championship.

Key man: Alan Mark Owen

A physical forward with a proven track record of scoring goals at this level, Owen was Cefni’s marquee signing and they are hoping he can fire them to an elusive promotion such is the talent he possesses.

On his day there are few better forwards operating in the third tier, and he has really caught the eye during their friendly fixtures that can give both him and the club plenty of confidence heading into the season.

Any success that comes Town’s way will be largely dependent on Owen’s fortunes in front of goal, but his consistency over the years and the outstanding talent surrounding him should be enough to see him emerge as one of the leading contenders for the top scorer title.

Player to watch: Liam Morris

Another very impressive addition to the squad was Morris, who was a revelation for Division Two outfit Gaerwen last term, netting 29 times in all competitions during a standout campaign.

Whether he can make the transition to the rigours of the third tier remains to be seen, but he at the best possible club to do this given the amount of service he will receive, so the onus will be on Morris to make the most of the opportunities given to him in order to maximise his impact.

Verdict:

There is no doubt that Cefni are there to be shot at, and their start is absolutely brutal, but provided they come out of this opening run relatively unscathed then a profitable season awaits them.

Talent-wise there are few that can match them, and Roberts has been around long enough to know what is required to succeed at this level, and the arrival of Owen has the potential to be a real difference maker for the ambitious club.

Cefni are on a shortlist of three for the title along with Llandudno Albion and Llanrug United in my opinion, and if they overcome their end of season jitters I see them emerging with some silverware.

Prediction: 1st (Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One)

First five games: Aug 11: Llanberis (A), Aug 15: Llanrug United (A), Aug 18: Llandudno Albion (A), Aug 22: Bodedern Athletic (A), Aug 25: Prestatyn Sports (A).