Who has been each JD Cymru Premier side’s star performer this season?
Kane Owen of Penybont scores his sides first goal against Barry Town United. Penybont v Barry Town United JD Cymru Premier match at Bryntirion Park on the 16th August 2019. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Every club has that one standout performer.
Some clubs this season have had a strong team unity whilst others have been heavily reliant on one player.
Take a look at every Cymru Premier club’s key player by viewing the suggestions below.
Connah’s Quay Nomads – George Horan
The Nomads have been exceptional in the JD Cymru Premier this season, but have been stalled in their bid to prevent The New Saints from winning the league for a ninth season running by the coronavirus outbreak.
Andy Morrison’s side’s performances have made it difficult to single out a key player, but the Nomads are typically resolute and organised defensively, which is testament to their captain, George Horan.
At 38 years of age, Horan has been rock-solid for the Nomads and has lead them to the top of the league, keeping 11 clean sheets in the process.
Although the attacking prowess of the likes of Michael Wilde, Jamie Insall and Michael Bakare has also been key, the defensive organisation of the Nomads has been impressive, which captain George Horan deserves huge credit for.
The New Saints – Ryan Brobbel
With creativity going forward, Ryan Brobbel is so often the spark for The New Saints.
Scott Ruscoe’s strikers Dean Ebbe and Greg Draper have both been in good form this season, scoring 29 goals between them in the JD Cymru Premier.
Brobbel has undoubtedly played a huge part in the success of his team-mates’ goal-scoring figures this season and has got himself on the scoresheet eight times.
Bala Town – Chris Venables
Often compared to a fine wine, 34 year-old Chris Venables has been in fine form in the JD Cymru Premier this season.
Having scored 22 goals in the league, Venables sits at the top of the JD Cymru Premier top scorers list, averaging a goal every 102 minutes.
The Lakesiders’ striker is part of a strong attack, with Henry Jones and Louis Robles also performing well this season.
A regular goal-scorer for Aberystwyth Town before signing for Bala Town in 2016, not only has Venables been the Lakesiders’ best player this season, but will go down as a modern-day JD Cymru Premier legend.
Barry Town United – Luke Cummings
With both Luke Cummings and Chris Hugh, there is a strong case to be made that Barry Town have the best full-back partnership in the JD Cymru Premier.
Right-back Luke Cummings has been influential for the Linnets’ defence, who have kept nine clean sheets in the league this season.
Cummings has also been an asset going forward, supplying for the likes of Kayne McLaggon, who has netted on 12 occasions.
His form caught the eye of Wales C manager Mark Jones, who called him up for the fixture against England C.
Caernarfon Town – Darren Thomas
Nicknamed the ‘Cofi Messi’, Darren Thomas is undoubtedly a fans’ favourite at Caernarfon Town.
The 33 year-old has scored eight goals for the Cofis this season, and has been influential in their route to the Welsh Cup semi-final.
Thomas’ form also earned him a call-up to Mark Jones’ Wales C squad to face England C at his home-ground, the Oval.
Newtown – Kieran Mills-Evans
There is a strong case to be made that Shrewsbury loanee Lifumpa Mwandwe has been Newtown’s biggest threat going forward this season.
However, the Robins’ strength in their JD Cymru Premier campaign has been their defensive record, keeping eight clean sheets.
Commanding defender Kieran Mills-Evans has had a strong influence on Newtown’s defensive performances, earning him a nomination for the JD Cymru Premier Player of the Month back in December.
The form of the Robins’ defender will be key to their bid for European football next season.
Cardiff Met University – Will Evans
It has been a breakthrough season for Met’s Will Evans.
After making the transition from midfield to striker, Evans has excelled in his new role, scoring seven goals in the JD Cymru Premier this season.
His form earned him a call-up to Mark Jones’ Wales C squad to face England C.
The newly-formed partnership with the club’s top-scorer, Eliot Evans, has been a real asset to Cardiff Met this season.
Cefn Druids – James Davies
The strike partnership of James Davies and Cody Ruberto has been influential for the Druids this season.
Davies averages a goal every 184 minutes in the JD Cymru Premier campaign, netting nine times.
As Ruberto has seven to his tally, Druids’ attack stands them in good stead in the battle with Cardiff Met for a place in the European play-offs.
Aberystwyth Town – Paulo Mendes
In a positive January transfer window for Aberystwyth Town with the likes of Alhagi Touray Sisay joining the club, the news that Paulo Mendes pledged his loyalty to the club by rejecting others in the JD Cymru Premier gave the Seasiders a real boost.
The Portuguese midfielder has played an integral role this season, adding flair to Matthew Bishop’s side, while scoring on six occasions.
An honourable mention must go to defender Lee Jenkins, whose breakout season for the Seasiders earned him his first call-up for Wales C.
Penybont – Kane Owen
Although the January signing of midfielder Lewis Harling has given the Bont a real lift in the relegation battle, captain Kane Owen has been influential all season.
Naturally a left-back, Owen’s versatility and industrious performances have been key for Rhys Griffiths’ side.
Kane Owen’s form has not gone unnoticed, as he earned a call-up to the Wales C squad to face England C at the Oval.
Carmarthen Town – Luke Bowen
Despite having a difficult season in the JD Cymru Premier, the Old Gold’s shining light has been the form of striker Luke Bowen.
The striker has netted 12 times for Carmarthen Town this season, averaging a goal every 164 minutes.
Bowen’s goals have been paramount, as without them, Carmarthen Town’s relegation might have already been sealed.
Airbus UK Broughton – Andy Owens
Much like Luke Bowen’s influence on Carmarthen Town, striker Andy Owens’ goals for Airbus UK Broughton has kept them in the hunt for a JD Cymru Premier place for next season.
Owens has scored eight goals for the Wingmakers this season, including winners against both Newtown and Aberystwyth earlier in the season.
Although Steve O’Shaughnessy’s side remain at the foot of the table, the deficit of three points between them and safety would be much greater without Owens’ goals.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
