The Winners and Losers of Welsh Domestic Football in 2018
(Image: Will Cheshire)
2018 was a year with many memorable moments in Welsh domestic football. We take a look at the clubs who came out winners, and those who will want to forget this year in a hurry.
Demotions, failed licences and cup runs all contributed to a 2017/18 season which will live long in the memory.
There have already been some interesting moments in 2018/19, as domestic football in Wales continues to create talking points.
The Winners
Penydarren BGC
The Merthyr side had a season to remember in the South Wales Alliance Premier Division.
Going unbeaten for the entire league season, winning 27 of their 30 games, they swept the division aside on their way to gaining promotion to Welsh League Division Three.
Netting 117 goals along the way, an average of 3.9 per game, they finished 20 points clear of second-placed Ynyshir Albions.
As well as a successful league campaign, Kerri Mullins’ side also made their mark in the cup competitions.
They fell at the last hurdle in the W.J. Owen Cup, losing out to Blaenrhondda in the final. While They also reached the semi-finals of the FAW Trophy.
Penydarren captivated supporters of Welsh domestic football during a memorable run in the JD Welsh Cup, where they went all the way to the quarter-finals – falling at the hands of then-Welsh Premier League side Bangor City.
They’ve adapted well to life in the Welsh Football League, currently sitting fifth, having won seven and lost one of their opening eight games. Certainly, a team to keep an eye on in the coming years.
Ynysddu Welfare of the fifth tier welcome Cefn Druids in the third round of the JD @FAWales Cup.#JDWelshCup
— ⚽ Sgorio (@sgorio) December 11, 2018
Ynysddu Welfare
Viral tweets, pyrotechnics, silverware, cup runs and featuring on BBC News. 2018 is a year that will live long in the memory of Caerphilly side Ynysddu Welfare.
Ben Murphy’s side completed a league and cup double, winning the Gwent County League Division Two as well as the Gwent Amateur Cup.
They also went on an exciting run in this season’s JD Welsh Cup, where they were knocked out in the third round by Welsh Premier League side Cefn Druids. They beat two Welsh League sides (Monmouth Town and Taffs Well) along the way.
However, it wasn’t just on the on-field heroics that put them in the spotlight. In October, they made headline news when their youth side, who, despite not existing at the time of the draw, were entered into the FAW Youth Cup.
After deciding to fulfil the fixture, a search for players began. The club were overwhelmed with youngsters wanting to play, and amazingly, they went on to defeat Briton Ferry on penalties, after drawing 2-2.
Cambrian and Clydach Vale BGC
Dane Williams’ side sent shockwaves through Welsh domestic football at the end of November, when they stunned reigning-Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints to reach the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
After a goalless ninety minutes, the 30 minutes of extra time proved to be one of the best in recent years.
Mark Crutch sent the home supporters into raptures when he netted in the 100th minute of the game.
Prolific striker Greg Draper levelled the game up seven minutes later before substitute Andre Griffiths popped up in the 113th minute to settle the tie; and seal one of the most memorable results in recent memory.
The Welsh League Division One side will face Cardiff Metropolitan in the final at Jenner Park on January 19th.
The Losers
Bangor City
Despite finishing as runners up in last season’s JD Welsh Premier League, the Citizens were demoted to the Cymru Alliance after failing to obtain the Tier 1 Licence, which is required for teams to compete in the top flight.
The demotion resulted in the departures of manager Kevin Nicholson and his assistant Gary Taylor-Fletcher, however, the latter has recently returned to the club to take up the role of Player-Manager.
The Nantporth side are the only team, other than The New Saints, to have won the Welsh Premier League in the last eight seasons.
Former Hartlepool United manager Craig Harrison arrived in the summer to take over as manager, with many expecting the Citizens to make a swift return to the top flight.
However, it hasn’t been as easy as some will have envisaged. Bangor currently sit third in the Cymru Alliance, 14 points behind runaway leaders Airbus UK.
Aberdare Town
After finishing 11th in last season’s Welsh League Division Two, the Cynon Valley side have had a difficult start to this season.
Following numerous departures over the summer, they sit rock-bottom of the league, having drawn two and lost 15 of their 17 games to date.
They’ve found the net just 14 times and conceded 77 times – an average of 4.5 per game.
Aberdare were playing in Division One as recently as the 2015/16 season, but, following finishes of 7th and 11th, they look certain to be playing in the fourth tier in 2019/20.
Llandudno Junction
After finishing second in the 2016/17 Welsh Alliance League Division One, and gaining promotion to the Cymru Alliance, it wasn’t to be for Llandudno Junction in 2017/18.
The Conwy side won 18 of their 30 league games to clinch promotion to the second tier but found the going very tough at the higher level; winning just one of their 28 games.
Their goals against tally of 115 were the highest since Rhydymwyn conceded 132 times in the 2014/15 season.
Junction have failed to adapt to life back in the Welsh Alliance League Division One, where they are currently propping up the table.
They will be hoping that the New Year can bring about a change in fortunes, as they look to avoid back-to-back relegations.
(Featured image: Will Cheshire)
Think Llantwit Major deserved a mention as winners also. Champions at the first time of asking in WFL 2, after winning WFL 3 last year. Great roundup all the same!