ABERYSTWYTH manager Antonion Corbisiero is looking forward to the competitive start to the season on Friday night when the Black and Greens welcome Penybont to Park Avenue for a Nathaniel MG Cup tie.

And Aber’s squad will feature a seven-times league winner after forward Alex Darlington committed to the Seasiders for the new season.

Darlington is recognised mostly for his time at The New Saints, where he won the league title seven times, as well as four Welsh Cups and five League Cups.

Corbisiero said: “Alex is going to be ready to go for Friday and we’re looking to hopefully bring a couple more in as well just to finish off the signings. Alex has played for TNS and Bangor and is a very experienced player that we’re very excited to bring him in.”

With no injury concerns after Saturday’s 3-3 draw against Haverfordwest the mood in the camp is positive going into Friday’s cup test.

“It’s a cup game and we’re looking to be competitive throughout the season and want to progress into the next round. I can’t wait now, it will start to feel that we’re starting back properly.

“And obviously against my good friend Rhys Griffiths (Penybont manager) it will be a good test for us.

“We drew with them a couple of weeks back 1-1 in a friendly and we’ll be able to see how far we’ve actually come with the new signings.”