RADNOR Valley will play their first home game of the new season this weekend – and the village club’s hosting of Llay Welfare on Saturday holds far more significance than just an ordinary cup match.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has been a bleak time for many of us, it was certainly no kidding matter for the club nicknamed the Goats, whose future seemed uncertain. They faced the very real prospect of no future whatsoever, with the club having been forced to leave its former School Lane home where they had played for many years. With nowhere to go, it seemed the pandemic might well claim another Mid Wales victim.

However, the Goats now have a new pasture to graze, thanks to the Phillips family, who came to the club’s rescue by offering them a patch of ground next to the A44 New Radnor bypass.

“Radnor Valley are proud to announce we will play our first home game on Saturday, August 21, at our brand-new pitch,” the club announced on its Facebook page.

“During the pandemic the club’s future was deemed uncertain, sadly having to move from our old pitch at School Lane.

“However, with hard work from committee members, players and the Phillips family of New Radnor, our future has been secured. The players would like to thank the committee members, volunteers and the Phillips family specifically, who have enabled the next generation of Radnor Valley players to play in the local area with the use of their field.”

County Times: Radnor Valley's new home is located close to the A44 bypass near the village

Despite the early season turmoil, the Goats have been unfazed, galloping out of the blocks in 2021/22.

It’s been an unbeaten start to the campaign – made all the more impressive by the fact they’ve played all six league and cup games on the road. They sit seventh in the early season MMP Mid Wales League East standings with two wins and two draws. They began their campaign with an impressive 5-0 thrashing of Montgomery Town, following that with a 1-1 draw at Brecon Corries – many pundits’ pick for league champions. They then secured another 1-1 draw at Knighton Town before triumphing 2-1 at Welshpool’s Waterloo Rovers last time out.

Additionally, they’re also through to the third round of the FAW Amateur Trophy, with Wrexham side Llay Welfare visiting Radnorshire this weekend. They beat Presteigne St Andrews 13-12 on penalties in the first round before a stellar and richly deserved 3-2 victory over another side tipped for a tilt at the Mid Wales League East title, Builth Wells, in round two.

Radnor Valley’s clash with Llay Welfare kicks off on Saturday at 2pm. The new ground is approachable from Walton, with the pitch located on the right-hand side of the bypass, approximately 750 yards before the turn in to the village. If you use the app what3words, the location is bibs.preparing.then.

“The club would love for supporters, locals and football fans in general to come down and support the boys who have had a strong start to the 2021 season,” added the club on Facebook. “Come on the Goats.”