Huws Gray Alliance celebrates surge in crowd numbers
The second tier of Welsh Football in North Wales is enjoying a season of ever-growing crowds, and they’re showing no sign of slowing down with the campaign at its halfway point.
A total of 25,893 have watched a Huws Gray Alliance game so far in 2018/19, averaging an attendance of 209 per game.
With all stadiums in the league now boasting improved facilities in line with the FAW’s tier two ground criteria, all clubs are now regularly bringing in crowds of more than 100, and eight boasting an average of above 200.
And a statement on the league’s official website credits the new FAW standards, which directed clubs to increase their home ground capacity, as 13 of the league’s 16 clubs have already seen attendances of more than 250.
Boxing Day saw the crowds continue to grow, with the coastal derby between arch rivals Rhyl and Prestatyn drawing 873 at The Corbett Sports Stadium, whilst Holywell’s Flintshire derby against Flint Town United yielded 385.
Bangor, who moved up to third in the league with a 2-0 win at Porthmadog’s Y Traeth stadium, were watched on by over 570.
And Denbigh Town v Ruthin Town took the second best attendance of the day, with 680 present at Central Park to see the hosts seal an impressive 3-0 win.
After those results, there are just three points separating 4th, 3rd, and 2nd place, as Flint, Bangor and Porthmadog battle to finish as high up the table as possible.
First placed Airbus UK Broughton remain favourites for promotion to the JD Welsh Premier League by some distance, but they have been proven as beatable after losing away to Flint earlier this month.
With half of the season still go, the league and its clubs will be looking to continue its fruitful season of attendances, with plenty of potential for more twists and turns to come in the 2018/19 campaign.
