The Lock Stock Ardal North East has gotten off to a blistering start with a quarter of the campaign now in the books.

With races developing across the league table, we take a look for the first time this season at the state of play.

The Title Race

Last season we predicted the title winners with 100% accuracy across both the North East and West. This year? That’s likely not happening. FC Queens Park were always going to turn heads since their treble winning season last year, and they’ve made a tremendous start this time around again. With seven wins from nine including five wins on the spin to begin the season back at this level, they sit top having scored four or more goals in 10 of their 14 games so far in all competitions. 

Their Wrexham rivals Penycae were candidates for best improved last year with a top five finish and they’ve continued to get better and better. They sit level on points with just goal difference separating them. Back in September a 94th minute winner via substitute Evan Davies saw them take three points against the Park, and we could be in for a real battle between the pair. 

Aiming High

Llangollen were one of the stories of the season last term, starring into the abyss at the wrong end of the table and without a win until the end of November (coming against winless Lex), and they waited until January to grab their second. That sparked a run of nine wins in their last 14 games of the season. Now? They’re in the top three and chasing top spot. Forward Ed Baker’s nine goals in as many league games have been valuable and the stewardship of Luke Maybury. 

Elsewhere, Dolgellau have shown all the signs of a side aiming for at least the top two having flirted with it over the last couple of seasons. Last weekend they lost just their second game of the season, their first since early August. Gerwyn Williams has an outstanding 11 goals in nine games this season, and the 23-year old could be key to firing his side into the mix. 

Image: Rod Davies

Not Far Off

One of our early favourites for the title this year were Knighton, who complete the top five and five points off the leaders. A tricky summer for the mid-Walians but the Robins have started to pick up form. Unbeaten in four in the league, they continue to possess quality in the squad.

Cefn Albion are a side to watch, especially after a big win over Dolgellau. After winless four games across the league and cups, they secured a big three points at the Muga. With a game in hand obrt those above them, a win could launch them two points off top spot. 

Meanwhile, a cluster of sides in mid table including Llanrhaeadr, Kerry and Builth Wells will need to act quickly and find consistency if they’re to trouble those above them.

Early Strugglers

Just six points separate Corwen at the foot of the table and Llanfair United in 10th, so those in that realm will at least see this stage of the season as a time to kick start the campaign. No side below 10th has more than a pair of wins in the opening nine or so games this year.

Radnor Valley have played less games than anyone with seven, so do have a bit of breathing space if they can capitalise. New boys Carno have played more than anyone with ten and sit just above bottom side Corwen with six points from 30. Speaking of Corwen, one win and seven losses so far after a difficult season last year, and just eight goals compared to the 38 conceded, it’s not looking good at the moment. 

Rhos Aelwyd and Bow Street sit 11th and 12th and won’t want to be dragged into a dogfight. 

Top Marksmen

No surprise to see who sits atop the goal chart. Jamie Breese made the move from Holywell Town to Kerry in the summer and has 13 goals in seven so far this term. The 34-year old has been pivitol to the Lambs.

Gerwyn Williams at Dolgellau follows him on 11, whilst Ed Baker has nine. 

Coming Up

Just one game this weekend as Radnor Valley host Llanfair United with a number of sides involved in the FAW Amateur Trophy, before returning to a full slate of action next weekend.