The Lock Stock Ardal North West is tipped to be one of the most exciting leagues in Wales this year and the beginning hasn’t disappointed. 

With the season back underway, we take stock of the opening stages of the new campaign.

Quick Starts

Bangor’s surprise relegation from the JD Cymru North last season will have lit a fire in the Gwynedd side who’ll be desperate to bounce back this season. So far, they’ve stuck to that plan. Four wins and a draw sees the Citizens top of the Ardal North-West as one of a staggering six unbeaten sides after five games. 

Llangefni sit behind Bangor in 2nd separated by a single goal scored as both sides acquired 13 points with a goal difference of +12. Llangefni’s goal difference was certainly aided by their 8-0 win over new-boys Penmaenmawr a few weeks ago.

Llangefni start well.

Porthmadog are the only side with a 100% winning record having won four from four so far whilst Prestatyn, Llannefydd and NFA complete the unbeaten teams.

Adapting to the North-West

Whilst both Bangor and Prestatyn have come down and began their battle at the top, Llay Welfare continue to regroup following their single season in the Cymru North. The Welly were beaten on the opening day before scoring five goals in back-to-back wins as they beat Connah’s Quay Town and Mynydd Isa before tasting defeat at Bangor.

Newly promoted Mynydd Isa have enjoyed their start with a couple of wins, including an opening day success over St Asaph. Losses to Pwllheli and Llay followed but they grabbed the odd goal in three away at Penmaenmawr. The Phoenix have found things difficult since their own promotion last term registering a single point so far at the bottom of the division. Bethesda sit in 13th after registering their first win since returning to the third tier, winning 3-1 at Pwllheli. 

Surprise Packages

Llangefni’s superb start to the campaign sees them above those considered favourites for the league and they’ll be keen to fend off the likes of Porthmadog and Prestatyn. Llannefydd were tipped to challenge and have done well in the early stages and remain unbeaten despite often being overlooked. 

Trearddur Bay will look to hit form and lift themselves into the mix early and the arrival of forward Tom Hilditch will go a long way to achieving their ambitions. Perhaps one surprise would be to see Connah’s Quay Town struggling early after an impressive campaign on debut last season, with four defeats from five.

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The Rest

Llanrwst will be on the hunt for consistency after two wins and three defeats whilst the likes of Felinheli and Pwllheli will be hoping to add points to the board. St Asaph City under the management of Dan Sleet will hope for a turnaround sooner rather than later having picked up a point in their first four. 

Scoring Boots

Cavan Daley netted twice for Llay last season in the Cymru North, but he’s already trebled that tally in August. He grabbed two against Connah’s Quay before three days later he smashed home four away at Mynydd Isa. Behind him is the duo of Corrig McGonigle and Osian Jones of Bangor and Llangefni respecitvely. McGoingle is a huge threat for Bangor whislt Jones continues his excellent record in the Ardal North West. 

Can Corrig McGonigle fire Bangor up again?

Coming Up

Bangor put their unbeaten start on the line on Friday night at home to Connah’s Quay, whilst Porthmadog take on Llanrwst at Y Traeth. Up on the North Wales Coast, Prestatyn meet Llannefydd to finish a trio of mouth-watering clashes.

On Saturday unbeaten duo Llangefni and NFA face off whilst two promoted sides in Mynydd Isa and Bethesda get underway in Flintshire. Penmaenmawr would love to pick up their first win of the season at Pwllheli, as would St Asaph at home to Felinheli. Finally, Trearddur Bay take on Llay in an intriguing meeting.