The drama, twists and turns of the campaign have all led to this. 

Six have become four in the title race whilst four became two in the fight for survival. For some, it’s now or never.

 

Title Chasers

 

Four weeks on from our last round-up and we’re still absolutely no clearer on who will take the crown in the North-East title battle. 

Last weekend saw perhaps the biggest game of the season at the top when Brickfield faced Llanuwchllyn. Both sides have three games in hand over those above them in the likes of Dolgellau, Bow Street, and Builth Wells and knew winning them would send themselves top.

It was Llanuwchllyn who came out victorious but remained fifth but seven points off the top spot. Brickfield, who could have risen to the top three with a win, sit fourth and five points adrift. However, both have three crucial games in hand and could well be considered favourites for the top two.

Dolgellau and Bow Street are battling it out at the top – Image: Dolgellau AAA

The top spot is currently occupied by Dolgellau who had to battle it out big style down in Kerry last weekend to remain top of the pile. They’ll need to focus on their final five games which include games against both Llanuwchllyn and Brickfield. Bow Street sit a point behind the leaders and won’t have given up hope just yet whilst the title dream is over for Builth Wells who, with one game remaining, are out of reach of top spot. Builth could shape the title race still though, with Brickfield travelling to Lant Fields this weekend. 

Play-Off Hopefuls

 

Much like a month ago, who knows when it comes to the playoffs? The field has narrowed somewhat, with the likes of Kerry and Builth Wells officially out of the race. Dolgellau, Bow Street, Brickfield and Llanuwchllyn are those battling it out but with Bow Street not applying for the second tier, that playoff spot could go to those in third should they finish as runners-up. Meaning, no matter what, it’s going down to the wire. 

 

Don’t forget Ardal League Club Members Get 25% Off at Lock Stock!

 

The Bottom Three

 

Our last round-up saw nobody officially trapped in the bottom three from the division, this time round? Two of the trio are confirmed. Llansantfraidd were the first to go before Chirk established their place at the wrong end of the table.

Rhos Aelwyd (green) will be focused on Llanidloes – Image: Rjt Lewis

The fascinating part of the scrap at the bottom comes between Llanidloes who occupy the final spot, and Rhos Aelwyd. Rhos’ season finished on March 15th in a 2-0 loss to Bow Street, whilst Llanidloes have three games remaining whilst three points adrift. The Daffs will need four points owing to a weaker goal difference in games against Llanfair (safe and a place above Rhos) and the title-chasing pair of Brickfield and Llanuwchllyn. In reality, they have to win this weekend against Llanfair and hope to disrupt those at the top by grabbing a point from their final two games. All eyes will be on mid-Wales for those hoping to see third-tier football at Rhos’ Ponciau Park next term.

The Rest

 

Radnor Valley have used their games in hand to great effect with three wins on the spin to pull well away from danger and into the top ten whilst the likes of Llandrindod Wells, Penycae and Llangollen have been comfortable for a while. Cefn Albion and Llanfair will look to nudge themselves further up the standings but all will be back next term.

Cup Dreams On?

 

March opened up with St David’s Day clashes in the Ardal Northern League Cup when the Quarter-Finals were contested. Porthmadog saw off Kerry in a narrow 1-0 win in stoppage time before Radnor Valley at the expense of Llannefydd, booking their place in the final four. Treaddur Bay’s cup dream continued with a 92nd-minute winner from Josh Stanley to see off Bow Street after levelling with five minutes to go via Dewi Thomas. Finally, Brickfield’s possible league and cup double is still on when navigating past NFA away from home on penalties 

Radnor Valley are safe, now time for cup success? – Image: Colin Ewart

Goal-Den Boys

 

When you’re striker has 28 goals in 21 games you’ll always have a chance at the top. Meilir Williams has equalled his goal tally for last season with Llanuwchllyn with six games to spare and they’ll need him in the run-in. He leads second-placed Osian Morris, Dolgellau’s 16-year-old goal-ace who sits on 23 alongside Bow Street’s Callum Page. Tom Freeman (Brickfield, 21) and Luke Mumford (Kerry, 20) round up the top five.