ADL Consolation Cup Preview

The Aberystwyth Digs League tonight announced the draw for the group stage of this season's Consolation Cup. As We Hate Ben were involved in the draw we have decided to preview the tournament in order to take a look at the sides involved. We Hate Ben were drawn into Group A, with Super League rivals FC Beaver, Champions League side AFC Barstuds and Premier League side Pathetic Athletic.

Group A Preview

AFC Barstuds

Barstuds finished their Champions League campaign in seventh and were likely to feature in the Wooden Spoon until an impressive 8-0 over AFC Gwatch in their final fixture. Having lost all but two matches in all competitions it is unlikely that they will manage to challenge the other three sides and could find themselves bottom of the group. Barstuds have conceded five or more goals in four of ten league and cup matches.

FC Beaver

Despite preseason predictions of a lowly finish and poor results, Beaver finished a credible fifth in the Super League, pulling off a couple of scalps over Obi Wan Kenobi Nil and We Hate Ben along the way. Beaver a solid, hardworking side whose never-say-die attitude has seen them concede few. WHB have scored the most goals against them in a match in a 4-4 draw in the Consolation Shield, but then Beaver beat them 2-1 in the league. Could reach the final if their defensive rigidity continues.

Pathetic Athletic

Possible favourites for the group despite being a new side in the Premier League this season. Finished fifth in the so-called 'League Of Death', finishing above and beating ADL heavyweights Y Geltaidd, winning 3-2. They have won three league games and progressed the furthest in the Aberystwyth Town Cup, reaching Round 1.

We Hate Ben

A disappointing season for WHB in which they finished sixth and found themselves back in the Consolation Cup, a tournament in which they won the first of in 2009. After reaching the Shield final last season, more was hoped for but a string of 2-1 defeats in games they were winning or level in put paid to a top-four finish. They have picked up their form recently with a 4-0 win over rivals Arcelona and drawing 1-1 with Obi Wan. Also progressed into the semi-finals of the Consolation Shield this season. WHB are capable of winning this tournament but can they build on their recent performances and lift the trophy for a second time?

Group B Preview

Geltaidd

The former ADL heavyweights until last season would have won their league and be aiming to win the Champions Cup but this season have fallen to their lowest ever league position and the glory days seem long ago. Apart from a solitary cup win over Obi Wan, their two league wins this season were over teams which are now competing in the Wooden Spoon. Geltaidd should never be written off but it is hard to see how they will get out of their downward spiral.

FC Leave-My-Arcelona

Finished seventh in the Super League after failing to build on a couple of wins, losing their last few games including a 0-4 loss to WHB. Arcelona did however manage an impressive run into the Aberystwyth Town Cup quarter-finals, and that will hold them in good stead for this cup competition.

ATFC Lions (holders)

The current Consolation Cup holders find themselves in this tournament for a third consecutive season and will be desperately trying to retain their trophy. Lions have already beaten another side in their group, Unbelievable Tekkers 7-0 in the league and will now that a similar result can push them on their way to the final. Will be interesting to see them battle with Arcelona but the winner of their match with Geltaidd will probably be the finalist.

Unbelievable Tekkers

Started their league campaign poorly with two losses and fifteen goals conceded but have shown glimpses of their ability with a 2-2 draw with Phoenix in the league and a 10-2 Consolation Shield win over Naked Wednesday AUC. Having been beaten 7-0 already this season by cup holders ATFC Lions it looks unlikely they will escape from the group.

The tournament starts at 1.30pm at Blaendolau Fields on Sunday 15th May.