After a summer of preparation, with squads assembled and ambitions set, the Lock Stock Ardal North East begins tonight. 

In anticipation of the new campaign, here we preview a wide-open Ardal North-East.

Promotion Race

After twice being the bridesmaid, Llanuwchllyn finally walked the aisle to the Novira Cymru North last season on the back of two unsuccessful playoff campaigns. With the Villagers now out of the picture, many will look at the league title as a distinct possibility.

Knighton Town maintained their promotion momentum and almost went back-to-back last term, losing out to Porthmadog in the playoffs after being beaten to the title. With an experienced squad throughout, the mid-Wales side will be favourites this time round.

Dolgellau missed out on the top two by just a couple of points last year and will be buoyed by a strong squad once again this year who have already started well in cup competitions. 18-year old forward Osian Morris ended the season with eight goals in his final four games, and started this year with three cup goals already; he’ll be vital. 

Llanuwchllyn lift the Lock Stock Ardal North East

New Kids on the Block

No sides have dropped out of the Cymru North this summer, but two new sides have come into the North East following promotion. FC Queens Park return to the third tier for the first time in more than five years, having swept up a treble last year in North East Wales. They’ve added serious firepower with Matthew Worrall, who brings vast experience to the forward line, but will have been disappointed to lose Ryan Kershaw to Prestatyn this summer. 

FC Queens Park return to the the third tier

Elsewhere, Carno return to the third tier for the first time since relegation in 2022. The Central Wales promotion winners were boosted with a quartet of signings this summer and will look to establish themselves in the North East this term. 

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Dark Horses

Perhaps the biggest signing of the summer outside of the top two tiers, Jamie Breese brings experience, and far more importantly, goals, to Kerry. The Lambs had a disappointing second season in the third tier, but with Breese could well give the top end a real go once again after impressing in 2024/25. 

Jamie Breese joins the Lambs

Wrexham-duo Cefn Albion and Penycae both recruited heavily during the summer with a number of additions. Both finished in the top six last year and could be plotting promotion this season be it via the league or playoff route. 

Need a Boost

Sometimes a side needs that last piece of the puzzle to lift themselves from the bottom half to the mix of the leaders. Llanrhaeadr-Ym-Mochnant finished 10th last season as they arrived back in the Ardal North East, and the return of forward Iwan Matthews from Guilsfield will offer them the spark they could need.

Builth Wells’ bottom three finish was a real disappointment last season, and they know they’ll need to improve on things to avoid the possibility of the drop come April. The addition of Lyndon Jones from Caersws along with his Bluebirds teammate Rhys Pugh could be key. 

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Elsewhere, Corwen have lost the services of Henry Evans to Bala Town whilst Llanfair have seen six move on from Mount Field. 

Radnor Valley and Llangollen will be fascinating, especially the latter who pulled off an incredible run of form to lift themselves off the bottom to mid-table against the odds. 

Lock Stock’s Tips

Last season Lock Stock went 2/2 on the league winners, and once again we’ll give our far too early to tell predictions.

It’s hard to ignore Knighton who will look at this season as their opportunity to replicate Llanuwchllyn. Young recruit Harley Morris will complement the experienced side, having opened his pre-season account. He has featured for National League North side Hereford before landing with the Robins.

Harley Morris signs for Knighton

Dolgellau will ensure it’s a close race, and if Osian Morris carries on firing, they’ll be right up there at the end of the season. We also wouldn’t discard Cefn Albion this season either. 

On what’s likely one of the most unpredictable leagues in Wales this year, we’ll stick our neck out and tip Knighton, but only just. 

Opening Day

Six games will kick off the campaign this evening with some interesting clashes to begin the year. Queens Park will host Corwen whilst Cefn Albion meet Rhos Aelwyd in an all-Wrexham affair.

Builth Wells and Knighton will face off, along with Carno heading to Dolgellau for their return to the division. Kerry take on Llanrhaeadr whilst Llangollen also host Penycae.