Always one of the hottest races in Welsh Football, the 2025/26 Lock Stock Aral North-West is back underway in a week with a whole host of clubs with a shout.

Here we take a look ahead to what is set to be a barnstorming season in the third tier.

Promotion Race

This has to go down to one of the toughest Ardal North-West campaigns since the inception of the new look third tier. At least four sides look ready to mount a serious title charge in what could be the league to look out for in 2025/26.

Following their shock relegation from the JD Cymru North last term, Bangor City 1876 will be desperate to return to the second tier at the first time of asking. They’ve already made headlines this summer with the addition of Tommy Creamer and Cai Owen from Colwyn Bay along with Dion Donohoue who brings a wealth of experience that includes over a century of appearances in the EFL. Finally, the man who’s goal relegated the club in April lands at Nantporth as Jamie Reed makes an emotional return to Bangor.

Prestatyn Town are another side relegated last season and compete in the third tier for the first time in two decades. After two years of flirting with the bottom three, they now have the chance to rebuild at Bastion Gardens and additions such as Jake Walker who has 65 goals in 106 Ardal North West appearances in the past four years with Denbigh Town and St Asaph City, will do them the world of good. 

Last season’s Ardal Northern League Cup winners Porthmadog, face stiff opposition and will need to regroup following their battles with Rhyl and Holyhead last term. Chris Jones’ side led for significant spells last season but a sticky patch saw them drop to third in the standings. Having lost top marksman Tom Hilditch, they’ll need to replace the 19 goals he provided last season. 

New Kids on the Block

Bangor and Prestatyn are two of six new sides to the North West this season. Llay Miners Welfare spent their first and as yet only season in the JD Cymru North and return to the division. 

Meanwhile, promotions for Bethesda Athletic, Mynydd Isa and Penmaenmawr Phoenix see them arrive in the third tier. 

Bethesda spent the 2023/24 campaign in the Ardal North West before being relegated after a year, but come back with a bang winning the North Wales Coast West Premier. In it’s eastern counterpart, Penmaenmawr Phoenix won their respective title and return to this level for the first time since 2020.

Finally, Mynydd Isa arrive to the Ardal Leagues for the first time having won the North East Wales Premier Division last season. 

Dark Horses

Had it not been for a winless run in the final three games of the campaign, Llannefydd could well have finished in the top three in the North West last year, or even in second spot with a shot at promotion. The Conwy club have gone from strength to strength since their formation, and under the guidance of Ally Stubbs and assistant Dave Edwards, who have assembled a close-knit side, they could be most likely to challenge those at the top, especially with some superb additions this summer, including Gwion Owen and youngster Ianto Jones. 

Trearddur Bay’s first year in the league last season will have seen them pick up valuable lessons as they finished 4th whilst Llay’s new look side will be led by Neil Hughes. The return of two promotion winners in Dave MacIntyre and Owen Roberts will provide a boots whilst retaining Jon Collo will be key among another host of new bodies at the Ring.

Meanwhile, last season’s new boys in NFA and Connah’s Quay Town performed really well and will look to step that up, whilst Llanrwst are frequently in the mix. 

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Need a Boost

Felinheli, St Asaph City and Pwllheli all just about survived come the end of the season. St Asaph have lost key figures in the side including the aforementioned Jake Walker, the retirement of Dave Hayes and James Williams’ move to Prestatyn.

Pwllheli have added young talent to the squad including Ioan Williams from Caernarfon Town and Blaenau Ffestiniog’s Owain Jones Owen and will hope that approach brings a more comfortable campaign, whilst after defying the odds last season, Felinheli will be looking to keep their heads above water. 

Lock Stock’s Tips

Our ‘way too early to tell’ predictions for the Ardal North West title goes just about to Bangor. The signings of Creamer, Reed, Owen and Donohoue show real intent and if things click they’ll be in control. Nearest to challenge them though is split between Prestatyn and Porthmadog. We’re edging just to the side of Porthmadog despite the loss of Hilditch with the core of that squad showing their class last term with the campaign thrown off with injuries at Christmas.

Prestatyn are certainly not out of the question as Gareth Thomas looks to achieve what he couldn’t with Rhyl and earn promotion, whilst Trearddur Bay have plenty of danger and could well challenge at the very top. The surprise package for us though? Don’t count out Llannefydd. 

Opening Day

The Ardal North West kicks off next Tuesday (July 29th) with games six games before another two 24 hours later. The pick of the bunch comes at Y Traeth where Porthmadog host newly promoted Penmaenmawr. The League Cup winners and promotion chasers take on a Phoenix side returning to this level for the first time in five years. 

Elsewhere, Llay face NFA for the first time at the Ring whilst Bangor’s return to the Ardal North-West sees them face Llanrwst United. St Asaph and Bethesda will both been keen to pick up points early and face off at Roe Plas Meadow, whilst elsewhere Connah’s Quay Town begin their second season in the Ardal Leagues, at home to Llannefydd. 

On the Wednesday, Treaddur Bay welcome Felinheli up the A487. Another contender for game of the week could easily be at Bastion Gardens, where Prestatyn arrive from the Cymru North and begin at home to NEWFA Premier winners Mynydd Isa. The current Mynydd Isa hand’t formed until five years after the Seasiders’ last campaign in the third tier.