DOUBLE champions Cardigan Town kick off the Costcutter League action tonight still reeling from the loss of new manager Steve Blackford.

The recently appointed player/manager and last season's skipper Steve Blackford has reluctantly stood down due to work commitments.

Training sessions are being supervised by 21-year-old classy midfielder and former Welsh Schools captain Iestyn Evans assisted by committee members.

Blackford said: "Iestyn has taken over training and we'll see how things work out. I'll do as much as I can to help."

Town prepare to host promoted Division Two kingpins Cilgerran Rovers and, having lost the services of goalkeeper Casey Walters, the Magpies have signed vastly experienced custodian Carl Woodhouse from the Pembrokeshire League who some seasons ago was with St Dogmaels.

Town have also snapped up Lee Burroughs from St Dogmaels and will be fancied by many to get off on the right foot against the Coraclemen but the visitors are sure to have other ideas.

An intriguing opener sees last season's third-placed Llandysul take on runners-up Lampeter Town at Tyr-Dref.

The goalkeeping position has been problematic at Llandysul but manager Chris 'Coco' Davies has brought in John Durbridge from Pembrokeshire League outfit Narberth and the 34-year-old 6ft 4inch stopper is expected to make his presence felt.

Looking ahead boss Davies, who will have Adrian Hazzelby pulling the strings in midfield and Simon Davies up front, told the Tivy-Side: "We'll be taking it one game at a time and concentrating on ourselves."

In his tenth and final season in the Lampeter hot seat Terry Jones is without a crop of experienced performers but the popular boss is encouraged by the attitude of promising youngsters and fairly optimistic about the season.

"We will not be fancied but we have players capable of holding their own and we'll see how it goes," he said.

After looking capable of lifting the title, Newcastle Emlyn fell away towards the end of the campaign and finished fifth.

The Reds, who played Welsh League football for 12 seasons prior to relegation and a return to the Costcutter, are aiming for a top three slot that would entitle them to re-apply for senior football status.

Former player Gethin 'Nant' Davies is new manager assisted by ex-Bargod Rangers head coach Owain Thomas, while goalkeeper Ian Hamilton takes over as skipper.

There is an air of quiet confidence within the camp and supporters will be hopeful of a winning start against last season's sixth-placed St Dogmaels at Parc Emlyn.

Visitors Saints have been forced to withdraw the reserves from the league but with around 20 players signed including gifted striker Rhys Jones and highly-regarded goalkeeper Justin Smith don't write them off.

Easter Monday League Cup champs Crannog under Dylan Evans open their programme against Bargod Rangers at the Urdd Centre.

The Crannog boss has a more than useful squad and it could prove imprudent to write off the coastal villagers.

Although losing classy former Cardiff City Academy product Dion Phillips to Wales Premier League high-flyers Aberystwyth Town and two or three others to local clubs Rangers can call on a crop of committed young players and their chances should not be discounted.

Felinfach and Aberaeron Reserves finished in the bottom half of the table and will no doubt be aiming to improve their lot. The pair clash at Felinfach and this one could be a closely fought affair.