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HALF SEASON REVIEW

As we reach Christmas the Ardal North West has certainly taken shape with sides across the division knowing exactly what’s to play for come the second half of the campaign. 

 With teams beginning to come to terms – both good and bad – with what they’ll be battling, here we take a look at the last month in the third tier. 

Leading the Way.

The last month couldn’t have gone any better for league leaders Bangor City 1876 who have opened a four point lead at the summit. Michael Johnston’s side have not only took control of the North-West but also bagged a place in the Quarter-Final of the JD Welsh Cup and FAW Amateur Trophy. 

Unbeaten in all competitions, Bangor overcame Cymru South side Trefelin to book their spot in the Quarters of the Welsh Cup and last weekend dispatched of Llanrwst. It’s shaping to be a historic season in Gwynedd. 

Porthmadog appear to be the only side at the moment capable of toppling the leaders. Four points adrift, their last league game came at the beginning of December where they fell to their second defeat of the campaign against Trearddur Bay. After finally bowing out of the Welsh Cup against Rhyl, they can focus fully on the league for the remainder of the campaign, which could be an advantage. 

Chasing the Top 

Llay Welfare’s slow start to the season has been rectified recently with three wins on the spin, taking them up to third. Five points off of Porthmadog in second, the Welly will need to maintain that sort of form, which has seen them go unbeaten in the league since mid-September.

Prestatyn trail Llay on goal difference and have dropped off with back-to-back defeats against Felinheli and Llay in the league and four losses in theri last six. They will, however, be pleased with progressing to the last eight of the Amateur Trophy. 

Elsewhere, Llangefni have dropped down to fifth having failed to win in their last three whilst Trearddur Bay have been dealt a huge blow, being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player. They’d be third in the table without the sanction. 

Finally, NFA and Bethesda Athletic complete the top half of the table. NFA could put themselves in the mix where a win could drive them up into the top three, whilst Bethesda – back in the third tier – have been excellent and look to be securing their place in the league after an up and down couple of years. 

Fixtures January 3rd