Lock Stock League Focus: YClwbPelDroed speaks to Corrig McGonigle

Striker Corrig McGonigle finds himself at Anglesey side Glantraeth, where he is continuing his reputation for goal scoring with an impressive 30 goals in 16 games. This tally has earned him the title of top goal scorer in the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One – and he didn’t even start his season in the league.

Here, we speak to McGonigle about his season so far, Glantraeth’s title bid and hopes for Huws Gray Alliance football. 

In August McGonigle was at defending Huws Gray Alliance champions Caernarfon Town having joined the Cofis from Pentrath – and although he was comfortable with the level, he feels he was unable to prove it. 

“The step up from Welsh alliance 2 was significant but one I felt I could cope with. Everything was sharper, more intense and more professional which I enjoyed. Although opportunities to prove my qualities came at a minimum.”

A move to Glantraeth saw McGonigle’s fortunes turn for the better, as he features regularly for manager Warren Gibbs’ side who are currently top of the league. 

“I’m enjoying it at Glantraeth very much. Finding standards pretty similar to Cymru Alliance until you face teams in the lower half of the league. Getting a constant run of games is what I needed and under Warren Gibbs I have found a rich vein of form.”

And with 30 goals already this season, McGonigle shows no sign of slowing down as he chases his own personal targets despite missing the first few games of Glantraeth’s season. 

“I assess my performance quite positively having already scored 30 goals in 16 games, however I am always trying to improve and develop my game week in week out. If by the end of the season I want 50 goals, which is the target, then I need to stay consistent which means a lot of work.

“I am aiming to finish the campaign as top goal scorer of the league. For me it would be quite an accomplishment having missed 6/7 games to begin with having been at Caernarfon Town. I feel that scoring nearly 2 a game should be enough.”

Although he boasts an impressive individual record, Glantraeth are also flying high in the Welsh Alliance Division One, leading the league with 12 wins from 15 games and a eight point lead over second place. McGonigle points to one game in particular as a defining moment of their season so far.

“Beating Treaddur Bay 6-1 at home in the league has to be it. 1st versus 2nd at a time when it was crucial to extend our lead at the top of the division. Having been down 1-0 early on we kicked on and led 3-1 by half time, with even our goal keeper chipping in with a finish from the half way line. As the game went on our dominance and fitness kicked in and we won the game comfortably.”

With a league title well within their reach, Huws Gray Alliance football beckons for Glantraeth if they should be accepted as eligible for the league. McGonigle acknowledges the importance entry into the second tier has for the club. 

“I think it’s massively important, there’s no point putting effort in week in week out if there is no ambition for a club to be promoted into the Cymru Alliance. It’s alright winning games comfortably in the same league year in year out, but it’s a different challenge doing it where there are far tougher opposition to face.”

He is next in action for Glantraeth when they face Greenfield at home on Saturday 4 February for a 2:30pm kick off. 

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOMOS WYN JONES