THE brand new Vale league returned on a day of glorious sunshine and sweltering temperatures, awash with goals and big results.

Reigning champions, Barry Athletic, kicked off their title defence with a 3-2 win at their temporary home at Bryn Y Don against Cogan Coronation.

Last year's second place side AFC Rhoose opened their campaign with a clinical and impressive 5-1 victory over St Athan, to really set their stall out for the season.

But it’s Island Marine who truly turned heads with a coupon busting result, as they came away from the Bear Field 6-0 winners over Cowbridge Town. Holton Road picked up where they left off last term, coming from behind with ten men to see off Penarth Town 4-2.

Finally in the Premier Division, Cadoxton Imps edged Tynewydd in dogged affair to start their season off with three points.

In Division One, Rhoose Social took on the club they broke away from, AFC Rhoose B, where it ended all square with 1-1 draw. St Athan B welcomed the new Holton Road B side to the community centre field, Holton B came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 in an entertaining contest. Island Marine B pipped Penarth Town B to the post, coming out 2-1 victors, an impressive result and an all round good day for the club. Barry Vikings continued their good form from last season to see off Barry Athletic B 2-1 while Vale United, reserve side to their Alliance league team, returned to VOGAFL action with a very good 3-1 win over Cwm Talwg.

And finally, Cadoxton Barry produced a stunning result to defeat SP Billy 6-0 to lead the way after the opening day.

It’s excellent to have Vale football back again, now the games come thick and fast with a full program this Wednesday evening. All games 6pm kick offs.