Cymru Premier: Six signings who have made an early impression
Barry, Wales, UK. 6th Oct 2020. Evan Press of Barry Town in action against Oliver Hulbert of Cardiff Met Barry Town United v Cardiff Met at Jenner Park in the JD Cymru Premier on the 6th October 2020. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
Despite a level of uncertainty surrounding the Cymru Premier season this summer, Wales’ top flight was not short of important transfers.
With the Cymru Premier campaign now underway, we take a look at six summer recruits who have made an early impression.
Jonathan Evans (Aberystwyth Town)
The transfer of Jonathan Evans from Penrhyncoch to Aberystwyth Town was one that went under the radar this summer.
Since the attacker’s move to Park Avenue, much attention has been on the well-documented story of Evans’ father’s open-top bus, used to watch his son turn out for the Seasiders.
However, Gavin Allen’s summer recruit has also caught attention with his performances on the pitch, as he has added a real spark to Aberystwyth Town’s attack so far this season.
Operating on the right-wing, Evans’ pace has been a quality that the Seasiders were arguably lacking in the previous campaign, as they finished eighth.
In the opening day loss to Cardiff Metropolitan University, the attacker cut inside and fired a superb left-footed effort past Alex Lang to open the scoring for Gavin Allen’s side and also looked lively in the away draw to Penybont.
Evans doubled his tally for the season once again with his weak foot in the 3-1 win over Flint Town. His equalising goal was a key moment in the game.
Providing the Seasiders with experience and a dangerous outlet on the counter-attack, Jonathan Evans looks a positive signing for Gavin Allen’s youthful side.
Ollie Hulbert (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
On the opening day of the season, Cardiff Metropolitan University got their campaign off to the perfect start with a dramatic 3-2 win over Aberystwyth Town.
Despite falling behind twice, a quick-fire double from debutant Ollie Hulbert turned the game on its head.
Having signed on-loan from Bristol Rovers less than 24 hours before the opening game, Hulbert showed an ability to be in the right place at the right time.
The striker’s first goal was a poacher’s finish from a long throw into the box, while Hulbert found himself in space once again to head the winner in off the post.
If the on-loan striker can continue his good start to the Cymru Premier season, it will go some way to replace the departure of key attacker Will Evans.
Mike Hayes (Caernarfon Town)
Along with the departure of fans’ favourite Sean Eardley to Llandudno, striker Jamie Breese’s move to Newtown this summer was just as emotional for the Cofis.
Manager Huw Griffiths was quick to recruit Breese’s replacement however, with former Bala Town striker Mike Hayes arriving at The Oval.
In the Canaries’ opening fixture of the season, Griffiths’ side were trailing 1-0 thanks to Mael Davies’ long-range strike, but were brought level by a superb effort from Mike Hayes.
As the Cofis secured an impressive 3-2 victory over Newtown in their second outing, Hayes put in a perfect cross for Sion Bradley to head home the equaliser.
The striker doubled his tally for the season with a consolation goal in the 3-1 loss to Barry Town.
Griffiths’ summer recruit has certainly made an early impression, providing experience and a tireless attitude, which is typical of Caernarfon Town’s side.
Nathan Peate (Bala Town)
Another high profile signing in the Cymru Premier this summer was Nathan Peate’s move from Cefn Druids to Bala Town.
Peate built a reputation whilst at The Rock for being a solid and reliable defender at Welsh top flight level.
The centre-back has taken that form into the early stages of his Bala Town career.
On the opening day, Peate headed the Lakesiders ahead against the champions Connah’s Quay Nomads and Colin Caton’s men looked to have secured an impressive victory, only for Sameron Dool to equalise with a fantastic long-range strike late on.
Peate was also a part of the squad that claimed Bala Town’s first Europa League away victory in the club’s history over Valletta, whilst the Lakesiders also put in a commendable performance in the loss to Belgian giants Standard Liege.
When facing his former club last Sunday, Peate netted a late winner for Colin Caton’s side to secure a 2-1 victory and a positive four points from their opening two games.
Leo Smith (The New Saints)
One of the signings that attracted the most attention this summer was Leo Smith’s move to The New Saints from Caernarfon Town.
Formerly of Wrexham and Llandudno, Smith impressed whilst at The Oval, forming a dangerous partnership in midfield with Darren Thomas.
Upon capturing Smith’s signature, The New Saints manager Scott Ruscoe said, “I’m pleased we have added Leo to our squad; he’s an energetic player, who has lots of good attributes, and he’s very comfortable in possession.
“He will fit in well. He has a drive about him and has had an excellent season at Caernarfon,” he added.
Since signing for the Saints, Smith scored a decisive goal in the Europa League tie with MSK Zilina and also scored the equaliser in the defeat to B36 Torshavn.
In the opening Cymru Premier fixtures, the playmaker netted the second in the 3-0 win over Barry Town and has added even more dynamism to the Saints’ attack.
The signing of Leo Smith looks a shrewd replacement for Aeron Edwards, who had a glittering spell at Park Hall.
Danny Williams (Haverfordwest County)
The re-signing of Danny Williams on loan from Cardiff City is an exciting piece of business for the Bluebirds.
Commenting on Williams’ arrival at the Bridge Meadow Stadium, club chairman Rob Edwards said: “Danny was one of our main targets since our promotion back to the Cymru Premier and have worked tirelessly on the deal, so we are over the moon to get it over the line and are certain Danny will make a huge impact with us during his time here.”
Having earned a valuable point at Cyncoed Campus against Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Bluebirds faced Newtown in their first home game of the campaign.
Despite falling behind twice to goals from Nick Rushton and Kieran Mills-Evans, Williams certainly made an impression, equalising on both occasions for Wayne Jones’ side.
The first came from the penalty spot, while the second was a shrewd finish at the back post, following a cross from the right by Jack Wilson.
Williams has certainly made an early impression since his return to Haverfordwest County and will be an important figure during his loan spell.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
