As we approach the final third of the Lock Stock Ardal Northern Leagues it’s time to take stock of what has been one of the closest seasons in recent memory.

Both the East and West have nail-biting battles from top to bottom and here we take a look at where we’re at going into the final stretch. Here we take a look at the West.

Sitting Pretty

The West titles challenge appears to have shaped into a two-horse race with just goals scored separating the top two. Porthmadog have led for large spells of the campaign and remain at the summit, but Rhyl under new boss Paul Moore have shot up the table. Porthmadog remained unbeaten in the league until November and a tricky Christmas saw them suffer shock defeats away at Llannefydd and Pwllheli to open the door. 

Rhyl are unbeaten since the beginning of November with their last defeat coming away at Porthmadog in October. Derby victories over NFA and St Asaph City launched them to tie level on points with top spot and reinforcements including the likes of Paul Fleming, Billy Holmes and Archie Jones will be a boost. 

Chasing Pack

Llangefni occupy third spot five points adrift of the leading pack and were dealt a blow with the departure of 20-year-old forward Josh Stanley who opted to sign for league rivals Treaddur Bay. 

Hot on their heels are new-boys NFA three points adrift in fourth along with fellow promoted side Connah’s Quay Town who make up the top five. Both have excelled this season and opened 2025 at Ffordd Derwen where NFA took three points via Harrison Bellis’ late strike. 

The likes of Llanrwst United, Holyhead Hotspur, Treaddur Bay and Llannefydd all have games in hand over those in fourth and fifth meaning the shape of the top end could drastically change in just a matter of weeks. 

Consolidation

Realistically only Pwllheli look to be in a true ‘mid-table’ position as they sit 13 points adrift of the top two but eight points clear of the bottom three. However, a number of sides below will be keen to join them in a relatively safe position including Corwen who’ve played two games less but sit just two points below in 11th. 

The Strugglers

At the beginning of November, Menai Bridge Tigers were dead and buried. But the Ynys Mon side have resurrected themselves to mount a fight despite remaining bottom of the table. Without a point until November 16th, the Tigers took back-to-back draws against St Asaph and Rhyl before two wins on the spin in December against Pwllheli – an 8-2 thumping – and over island rivals Llangefni. They’ve pulled within a point of Conwy Borough who have really struggled this year with three wins from 20 and are seven points off Nantlle Vale in 14th. 

St Asaph and Felinheli are in real danger of being dragged into the drop zone at the moment so will be desperate for points in the coming weeks, their meeting on February 2nd will be huge for the bottom half of the table.

Topping the Charts

Young forward Dylan Proctor has been a bright spark for Rhyl’s resurgence this term and sits top of the charts with 14 so far. He’s followed by Corwen’s Sam Henry who has 13 in a terrific season at War Memorial Park.

Rhys Williams (12) at Porthmadog and Llion Morris (11) of Llanefydd make up the top four whilst Porthmadog’s Tom Hilditch, Llangefni’s Osian Jones and Felinheli’s Elis Williams make up fifth in a tight race with ten goals apiece.

Coming Up

At the time of writing four games have been postponed this weekend due to the snow across North Wales. However, a possible Angelsey derby between Menai Bridge and Holyhead stands out along with a crucial game for Corwen at Nantlle Vale to lift themselves well clear of danger. Nantlle will have another huge game a week later away at Conwy whilst 3rd meets 5th between NFA and Llangefni later this month.