FINALLY after two weeks of rain interrupting play and only a smattering of games, Vale football returned in force.

A full programme in division one and two, a couple of premier games but it was also the Barry Cup semi-final.

The first of two semi-finals saw Vale United reigniting a three season long rivalry with Barry Belgrade.

United are on course for a first premier division title and Belgrade are pushing hard at the top of division one. Vale United continued their dominance with a convincing 5 - 1 win to book their second final of the season. Jack Dummett, Dan Hanson, Joe Williams, Jay Tominey and Alex Gregory sending Vale back to Jenner Park.

In the May 7 final, they will play Rhoose, who were victorious over Island Marine 3 - 1 - Jack Butler, Josh Bryan and a Dave Bevan penalty sending resurgent, in form Rhoose to the final.

In league action, while Vale were booking final places, the premier division had new leaders. Cowbridge Town hammered bottom side Masons Moving Group 6 - 1 to go two points ahead of Vale United have five games in hand.

Barry Athletic got their first league win in 2017, albeit having only played three games, as they dispatched Tynewydd 5 - 1 to move up to sixth with only four games to go. Connor Caton, Adam Taylor, Ben Jones, Andrew Colburn and Nathan Williams getting the goals.

In division one, Dan Morgan (2), Linford Harris and Spencer Price scored as Barry Athletic B moved ever so much closer to the league title with a major 4 - 0 win over contenders FC Pumas. Athletic B know that the league is in their hands, if they win their final two games then they will be champions.

Sully Sports B got back to winning ways, after a heavy defeat last time out to SP Billy, with a 2 - 1 success over Cardiff Airport B to go third with a game to go.

SP Billy kept the pressure on with a 4 - 2 win over Cadoxton Barry B to stay level on points with Sully but with a game in hand. Elsewhere defending champions Cogan Coronation B played out a rare 0 - 0 draw with Cadoxton Athletic.

In division two, Cadoxton Imps made a great stride towards the league title with a resounding 6 - 3 victory over second place Barry Saints, the result sends Imps seven clear with five games to play, although Barry Saints and Penarth Town B both have a game in hand.

BVFC stayed fourth after edging out bottom side Pumas B 2 - 1. Island Marine B stayed three points behind them with a 3 - 1 victory over St Athan B, a first win in four for Marine B but St Athan B without a win in five.

Finally Rhoose B continued their recent upturn in form making in one defeat in their last six with a clinical 5 - 0 win over Barry Albion.

Next week games of the day are in division two as third-placed Penarth Town B host league leaders Cadoxton Imps, in division one Cogan play Barry Belgrade and in the premier division Island Marine play Penarth Town in an intriguing fixture.

Finally in the SWFA Intermediate Cup quarter-finals St Athan represent the Vale as they host Nelson Cavaliers of the Taff Ely and Rhymney Valley League.