Welsh National League: Division One and Premier Division lineups finalised

The Welsh National League has announced its league line-ups and first set of fixtures.

In what will be the last year of its format before continued FAW restructuring, the Premier Division will run with a full 16-team league, whilst Division One will run run with 16. 

The Premier Division season will begin on Friday 9th August, whilst Division One will commence a week later on the 17th.

The fixtures allowed us to see the makeup of the league with a number of promotion and relegations confirmed. 

Despite winning the Premier Division title, FC Queens Park opted to remain in the decision, instead Corwen were promoted to the FAW Championship North in their place. 

Only Hawarden Rangers, who finished bottom of the Premier Division were relegated. 

Holywell Town, relegated from the Cymru Alliance have been placed in the Welsh National League Premier Division despite competing in the Welsh Alliance League from 2006 to 2014. 

Plas Madoc, who were statistically the best performing team in the five pyramids of Welsh football last year, were promoted as champions, alongside Castell Alun Colts, who were runners-up. 

Lex XI, who resigned mid-season from the Premier Division, have rejoined the league and have been placed in Division One, two years after their title win. 

The opening fixtures of the season throw up some interesting ties, including a Champions v Champions clash.

Chirk AAA will host Penycae to kick off the league as well as Mold Alexandra homing Llay Welfare, an hour later on the same day.

Champions Queens Park will begin their defence of the Premier Division title against 2018/19 Division One champions Plas Madoc at Caia Park.

Fellow new boys Castell Alun Colts begin lie in a higher division with a home fixture against last years third-placed side Brymbo.

Despite finishing bottom last year, Johnstown Youth escaped relegation to the North East Wales Football League. 

Halkyn Flint Mountain, formerly Flint Mountain before rebranding following a ground move to Halkyn United’s ground begin life in a newer division against Lex XI. 

Welsh National League Premier Division:

Brickfield Rangers

Brymbo

Castell Allun Colts

Cefn Albion

Chirk AAA

FC Nomads

Holywell Town

Llanuwchllyn

Llay Welfare

Mold Alexandra

Pence

Plas Madoc

Queens Park

Rhos Aelwyd

Rhostyllen

Saltney Town

Welsh National League Division One:

Cefn Mawr Rangers

Coedpoeth

Halkyn Flint Mountain

Hawarden Rangers

Johnstown Youth

Lex XI

Llangollen Town

Myndd Isa Spartans 

New Brighton Villa

Offa Athletic

Overton

Rhosllanerchrugog

Rhydymwyn

(Featured Image: Gavin Billington)