As we reach roughly a third of the way through the Lock Stock Ardal Northern Leagues for 2024/25 there’s already been plenty of drama.

The North East and North West are packed with action just shy of three months in with plenty of stories so far this term.

We continue our round-up in the North West where it’s tight at both ends of the table.

Porthmadog have adapted superbly to life back in the third tier following relegation last season and sit top of the table with eight games gone for Port. Two points above newly promoted NFA in second, Porthmadog are the only side left in the Ardal Leagues without a loss in the league having won seven of their eight games. Tom Hilditch’s ten goals and five assists so far have boosted a talented side at Y Traeth who are looking to bounce back to the Cymru North at the first time of asking.

They’re being monitored closely by two newly promoted sides from the fourth tier in second and third with NFA and Connah’s Quay Town making outstanding starts to the new season. NFA have played two more matches, however, and could be leapfrogged by those sitting in the top six. 

Rhyl in fourth sit four points adrift of top spot having won six and lost twice so far, with both defeats coming against stiff opposition on Angelsey at Holyhead Hotspur and last weekend at Treaddur Bay. Those two will be looking to maintain a consistent form with the Bay adjusting to life the Ardal North West, whilst Holyhead are unbeaten in their last six but need to turn some of those draws – three of them – into wins.

Another island side in Llangefni make up the top five but won’t be in league action this weekend with a trip to Denbigh Town in the JD Welsh Cup. 

At the bottom of the table it’s been a real learning curve for Menai Bridge Tigers. Promoted last term they’ve yet to pick up a point in their opening eight games and are rooted to the bottom of the table. Six points above them are Conwy Borough who’ve lost their last four games and after just about staying up last season will require another big effort to do the same this year. 

The bottom three are rounded off with Nantlle Vale on seven points, one adrift of safety. St Asaph and Pwllheli are a defeat away from the drop zone early on so wins will be vital to avoid being dragged into a scrap. The Saints will be boosted though by the return of veteran forward David Hayes this week.

The final of the newly promoted teams in the division this year are Corwen, winning the title last year to return to the Ardal Leagues. Adam Galdo’s side were encouraged by the signing of former Caernarfon Town goalkeeper Tyler French whilst forward Sam Henry has eight goals, second in the race for the Golden Boot to cement them mid-table early on.

Talking of goal-scoring form, Hilditch leads the way as mentioned with ten goals for the league leaders followed by Henry, but hot on their heels are 18-year-old Elis Williams of Felinheli with seven, six of which came via hatricks against Nantlle Vale and Conwy in recent weeks, and Julian Williams on six for Llanrwst.

This weekend Connah’s Quay look to continue their fine start at home to Felinheli whilst Corwen travel to Conwy. At the bottom, there’s some early six-pointers between Menai Bridge Tigers and St Asaph as well as Nantlle Vale hosting Pwllheli.

The remaining sides will compete in Welsh Cup action, with half the league remaining in the competition.

Friday night sees a massive clash between Holyhead and Cymru Premier outfit Caernarfon Town whilst on Saturday Treaddur Bay and Llannefydd meet in an all-North West tie. Llanrwst host fourth-tier side Cerrigydrydion, Llangefni head to Denbigh Town, Porthmadog host Airbus and Rhyl journey to Caersws.