The Lock Stock Ardal North East is has chopped and changed with some crucial clashes throughout October.

With the league leaders flying out the gates they need a challenger, could we see one develop from the chasing pack?

Leading the Way.

After two years of playoff heartbreak, Llanuwchllyn will be delighted with their start after ten games. The bridesmaids could finally become the bride if they maintain their start that places them seven points ahead of the rest. Unbeaten so far with four wins on the trot, Sion Tudor’s side have been unstoppable.

In their wake is a series of sides chasing that second spot where Cefn Albion currently sit. The Wrexham-based club has had a hell of a return since moving back to the MUGA this summer and hopes to fix its sights on promotion instead of returning to its home. They’ve gone the right way about it with six wins and a draw from the first ten. 

Three sides sit a point below Cefn Albion, lurking for that playoff spot with surprise package Penycae in third. One of Albion’s Wrexham rivals, Penycae have been excellent and flown under the radar somewhat. Meanwhile, new boys Knighton Town have lived up to their billing as a possible promotion candidate.

Corwen round off the top five but will need to steady the ship following the resignation of manager Adam Galdo and departure of key players in recent weeks.

A Good Start

Llandrindod Wells, Llanfair United and Radnor Valley can be satisfied with their start to the campaign and know a couple of good results would propel them towards the front runners. After fending off possible relegation last season they’ll all be looking to kick on. 

Elsewhere Bow Street, Rhos Aelwyd and Dolgellau make up the middle of the pack. Bow Street and Dolgellau will be disappointed at their start after challenging for the title last term whilst Rhos Aelwyd stayed up and are much more comfortable early doors along with promoted side Llanrhaeadr. 

Rhos Aelwyd’s decent start continues

Need to Get Going

Two sides remain winless in the North East with Lex rooted to the bottom and Llangollen a point above them. Lex’s return to the third tier has been difficult with a loss of players and management, but they have picked up two points with draws at Radnor Valley and Rhos Aelwyd. They’ll also take heart from victory in the Lock Stock Ardal Northern League Cup away at Dolgellau this week. 

Llangollen have three draws has them 15th whilst the bottom three is boxed off with Builth Wells on seven points. Builth have been impressive over the last couple of years but have found life tricky this term. 

Kerry’s second season is also proving tough after such a good first season with three wins so far this campaign. However, a win could propel them as high as 9th. 

Radnor Valley battle Lex (Pic: Barcud-Coch Photography)

Scoring Boots

Is Meilir Williams topping the charts again? Well, is the Pope a Catholic? Williams has an incredible 16 league goals so far this season and is well on track to beat his figure of 38 last season where he finished top scorer.

Behind him on 11 is Penycae’s hot-shot Zac Davies along with nine goals for Cefn Albion’s Alex Williams and Knighton’s Luke Boundford. Josh Astley’s eight goals for Llanfair have been crucial whilst Dale Davies (Llanuwchllyn), Kieran Dovey (Knighton) and Tomos Jones (Llanfair) have seven apiece. 

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Coming Up

An intriguing clash takes place at Stansty Park on Saturday when bottom side Lex face the huge task of taking on league leaders Llanuwchllyn. After getting their first win it would be some statement to take something from that one.

Cefn Albion face a trip to Llandrindod whilst Knighton play host to Llangollen. Llanrhaeadr and Rhos Aelwyd has the makings of an intriguing contest in mid-Wales. 

Dolegllau and Llanfair could launch themselves up the table when they meet whilst Corwen face Bow Street this weekend. Ranodr Valley welcome Builth Wells and Penycae will look to maintain their good start at home to Kerry.