Chepstow start season with a win (From Free Press Series)

Chepstow start season with a win

Chepstow Town 2 Pentwyn Dynamo 1

CHEPSTOW Town manager Barry Vassallo says promotion is the club's only aim this season and that with the players the have signed there is no reason why they can't achieve it.

The Welsh League Division Three side got their campaign off to the perfect start with a dominant win over Pentwyn Dynamo despite letting slip a second half goal.

A penalty from captain Lee Relish and a Craig Joliffe goal gave Town a secure 2-0 lead at the break and according to Vassallo it was one they wasn't ready to let slip.

"Saturday's performance was a solid enough start. We took our foot off the pedal a little in the second half, but there was never any danger of us losing. I am wary that the lads understand you have to be fully committed to the end because there are sides in this league that will capitalise on that if you don't. It's not a major concern though," he said.

Town have made some auspicious signings in the close signings including defender Lee Stanton, midfielder Jason Donovan and former Hereford Town player Lee Relish. It's these players that Vassalo believes can spearhead the club's push for promotion.

"I've made my feelings known to the players and the committee that promotion is my aim this season. I am confident we have the players to go up,' said Vassallo who will be working along side Mark Price in the dug out this season.

"We have targeted finishing first and going up and we are definitely good enough to do that. We have a big squad of players and that will help us with injuries and suspensions.

"It will be tough on some players when they don't get to play, but what I would say to them is that you will get an opportunity and when it comes to take it with both hands," he added.

Since joining the club in the summer Vassallo has been particularly impressed by the form of striker Craig Joliffe who joined Town from Welsh League rivals Goytre last season.

"Craig can go all the way. His commitment and attitude is first class. He can do the damage we need up front to help us achieve our aim," said Vassalo.

Town faced Jollife's old club last night in their second Welsh League fixture of the season. They follow that match up with two tough games starting against Risca at home on Saturday before a making the 200 mile round trip to Newcastle Emlyn the following Tuesday night.

"How they gave us that fixture on a Tuesday night is just crazy," fumed Vassallo. "We've just got to get on with it though. We've built a good platform to work on and we've got to start building the points from the start."