After a season packed with title races, playoff drama, and relegation battles, the league campaign may be over — but one last piece of silverware is still up for grabs – The Lock Stock Ardal Northern League Cup.

And it’s hard to argue we haven’t got two worthy finalists. Brickfield Rangers arrive fresh from a historic achievement, having clinched the Lock Stock Ardal North-East title last weekend. A point was all they needed against Radnor Valley at Clywedog Park, and they duly delivered. 

Now, attention turns from celebrations to ambitions of a famous double.

Porthmadog, meanwhile, began their season in blistering form, but ultimately settled for a third-place finish in the fiercely competitive Ardal North-West. Locked in a title battle with Rhyl and Holyhead, their hopes were dashed here in Rhyl just a few weeks ago — but they now return with a shot at cup glory.

The Road to Rhyl

Brickfield’s journey to the final started back in August at home to Llanfair United. A 2-2 draw in Wrexham meant penalties, and the Rangers held their nerve to progress 5-4 in the shootout. Next came a showdown with fellow promotion hopefuls Llanuwchllyn, goals from Lewis Clamp and Michael Ashworth sealing a big away win.

Brickfield are looking to make it a double this weekend.

The Quarter-Final saw another penalty triumph after a 1-1 draw with NFA, before Brickfield edged a tense Semi-Final at Clywedog Park against Trearddur Bay. Tom Freeman opened the scoring, and despite a second-half equaliser, Steve Watkins and Andy Vale secured their ticket to today’s final.

Porthmadog’s cup campaign began — and will end — right here in Rhyl. In Round One, they faced the hosts in a tightly contested affair that ended 1-1, with Port advancing on penalties. A comfortable 3-0 win over Felinheli followed, before a dramatic trip to Kerry, where Shaun Cavanagh’s stoppage-time strike sealed a place in the Semi-Final.

There, they delivered a ruthless display against Radnor Valley, netting five goals before the break and finishing with a stunning 7-1 victory to book their place in this weekend’s showpiece.

Players to Watch

Both squads boast plenty of firepower and match-winners. For Porthmadog, Danny Brookwell is the joint-top scorer in the competition with three goals and is eyeing the Golden Boot. He’s struck 17 times in all competitions, while Tom Hilditch (19 goals in 18 league games) and Rhys Williams (13 goals) have been vital in attack.

Tom Hilditch is in hot form for Port.

Brickfield will look to Andy Vale — a prolific forward with over 30 goals this season — while Jay Richardson has also chipped in with crucial strikes. 

History Beckons

This weekend, one of these two sides will become the fourth team to lift the Lock Stock Ardal Northern League Cup.

Caersws claimed the inaugural title in 2022 with a victory over Mold Alexandra. Denbigh Town followed in 2023, completing a league and cup double. Last season, it was Holyhead who etched their name on the trophy with a 2-1 win over Flint Mountain.

Will Brickfield add a cup triumph to their league success? Or can Porthmadog end the season with silverware and a statement performance?

Let the final begin.