The Lock Stock Ardal North East is beginning to take shape in the early stages of the campaign.

Now in full swing, we’re starting to get a clearer picture on who will be battling where in a fantastic start.

Leading the Way.

Llanuwchllyn’s excellent start has continued with Sion Tudor’s side four points clear at the top. Unbeaten in their opening eight games this season, they’re looking for a title win after two years of playoff heartbreak and if the start is anything to go by they’ll be right up there.

Cefn Albion are right behind them in second place with a game in hand whilst Corwen make up the top three. The latter lost last time out against Penycae but once they really get going as they expect, they could make it a very interesting race at the top. 

Positive Penycae

Penycae’s super start can’t be ignored after a challenging season last term whilst newly promoted Knighton are the only other unbeaten side and if they take advantage of the three spare games could overtake the leaders. 

A Good Start

Rhos Aewlyd’s struggles come the end of last year have been well and truly brushed off with just one defeat in their first seven games. Four draws in those games has seen them in to the top half and on the cusp of those chasing the top spots. A few changes at Bow Street over the summer hasn’t hindered them too badly as they’re keeping up with the leading pack whilst Llanfair and Llandrindod can also be pleased with their start.

Rhos Aelwyd’s excellent start

The Rest

Dolgellau’s 2024/25 would always be hard to replicate but they’ll want a little bit more from the group with four defeats so far, whilst Llanfair United and Radnor Valley sit in midtable looking for comfort this year.

Builth Wells have been excellent in recent years but will be disappointed with their start along with last season’s surprise package Kerry who sit fourth bottom and in need of some good form.

Need to Get Going

Newly promoted Lex are currently propping up the division with a single point from six games, whilst Llangollen are the only other side without a win so far this season. Llanrhaeadr complete the bottom three having won twice so Lex and Llangollen will be desperate for a gap not to open up early on. 

Scoring Boots

Another month another glowing report for Meilir Williams who has netted 12 goals so far this campaign. However, behind him on eight is Llanfair’s Josh Astley. The forward joined United at the end of the season from Caersws, scoring eight goals in seven games and he’s continued that for his new club in his first full season. 

Josh Astley is now scoring in Llanfair colours

Alex Williams of Cefn Albion has seven, whilst Penycae’s Zac Davies is on six and both have been key to their sides’s strong starts.

Coming Up

This weekend the Lock Stock Ardal Northern League Cup gets underway. 

The Eastern section kicks off on Saturday with seven ties following the postponement of Dolgellau against Lex due to Dolgellau’s rearranged Welsh Cup tie with Queens Park.

Penycae will look to continue their strong start at home to Bow Street whilst Cefn Albion look for a place in the next round at home to Llanrhaeadr.

A mid-Wales derby is perhaps the pick of the round as Kerry travel to Knighton whilst Corwen journey to Llandrindod. Llangollen will look to kick start their campaign at home to Llanfair whilst Radnor Valley play host to league leaders Llanuchwllyn. 

Finally Rhos Aelwyd will welcome Builth Wells to Wrexham on Saturday.