Cymru Premier: Moments of the Season so far
Bridgend, Wales, UK. 10th Oct, 2020. Penybont v TNS at Bryntirion Park in the JD Cymru Premier on the 10th October 2020. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
Despite confirmation that domestic football in Wales is to come to a halt, the Cymru Premier has seen some crucial moments so far this season.
In an enthralling title race and scrap for the top six, Wales’ top flight has had some key results, memorable goals and influential performances in the opening four months of the campaign.
Here are some picks of the moments of the Cymru Premier season so far:
Ollie Hulbert’s goal-scoring debut
On the opening day of the Cymru Premier season, Cardiff Metropolitan University travelled to face Aberystwyth Town having lost key players in the summer.
The likes of Will Evans, Joel Edwards and Mael Davies had all departed Cyncoed Campus, with Bristol Rovers duo Harry Warwick and Ollie Hulbert signed on loan to provide goals.
Despite falling behind twice, either side of talisman Eliot Evans’ equaliser, Hulbert made his mark on his Archers debut, netting twice to turn the game completely on its head, securing a dramatic 3-2 win for the Students.
The striker has since continued to make an impression at Cardiff Met, netting five goals in the Cymru Premier this season, after getting his spell at the club off to the perfect start.
Flint Town’s victorious return to top flight
A historic moment for Flint Town United was their return to Wales’ top flight after 22 years, as they hosted Newtown at the Essity Stadium.
The Silkmen made a winning start to their Cymru Premier campaign, claiming a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Nathan Craig’s superb free-kick.
On a memorable day for all affiliated with the club, Flint Town United capped off their return to the top flight in the best way possible.
Sameron Dool’s stunning strike
Another key moment in the Cymru Premier season came on the opening day, as champions Connah’s Quay Nomads welcomed Bala Town to the Deeside Stadium.
Going into the dying minutes of the contest, the Lakesiders had a one-goal lead thanks to summer signing Nathan Peate.
In the fifth minute of injury time, Sameron Dool found an equaliser with a terrific long-range strike, securing a point for the Nomads in a stern test on the opening day.
Will Evans’ performance in five star Bala display
One of the signings of the season so far has been Will Evans’ move from Cardiff Metropolitan University to Bala Town.
The attacker’s performance in the 5-1 win at Penybont’s SDM Glass Stadium proved he has the quality to be a real asset for the Lakesiders.
Despite Bala falling behind to Lewis Harling’s opener, Evans netted twice to turn the game on its head, before assisting for Venables and winning a penalty in a terrific display.
The Archer-turned-Lakesider has continued his form throughout the campaign so far and has ten goals to his tally.
The New Saints run riot against Flint
The league leaders The New Saints put in a rampant display at Park Hall when they welcomed Flint Town United in October.
Scott Ruscoe’s side put ten past the Silkmen, with Greg Draper, Jon Routledge, Ryan Harrington, Louis Robles and Kwame Boateng all on the scoresheet.
Striker Draper netted five goals, his third securing his place as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Michael Wilde’s record.
With such a dominant performance, The New Saints’ 10-0 win over Flint Town United was certainly a memorable moment of the campaign so far.
Haverfordwest County stun Bala Town with late winner
Having been promoted from the Cymru South last season, Haverfordwest County have made an impression in the top flight so far this campaign.
The Bluebirds’ most impressive result was their 2-1 victory over Bala Town at Maes Tegid in October.
Despite falling behind to Chris Venables’ penalty, Wayne Jones’ side showed character to level through Danny Williams.
In the dying minutes, Haverfordwest found a dramatic winner, as Jack Wilson, who has been impressive all season, netted in injury time to seal an impressive Bluebirds victory.
Aberystwyth hold the Saints
One of the games of the Cymru Premier season so far was Aberystwyth Town’s 2-2 draw with The New Saints at Park Avenue.
The Seasiders fell behind to Louis Robles’ opener, but put in an impressive display to compete with the league leaders.
Aberystwyth levelled through Jonathan Foligno, before taking the lead with a goal from their star performer this season, Steff Davies.
Saints youngster Ben Clark netted late on to grab a point for the visitors in a contest full of drama.
Penybont net six in rampant display
The Cymru Premier’s surprise package this season has undoubtedly been Penybont.
The Bont are currently sixth in the table with two games in-hand on Barry Town in fourth and could mount a real challenge for Europe this season.
A highlight for Rhys Griffiths’ side was their ruthless 6-0 win over Caernarfon Town at the SDM Glass Stadium.
The hosts were brilliant throughout, with Kostya Georgievsky and Lewis Harling both netting twice, along with goals from Ben Ahmun and Ian Traylor.
Nine goal thriller at Jenner Park
One of the games of the season came at Jenner Park between Barry Town and Flint Town United.
The Linnets led 4-1 early in the second-half, only for a tense final 30 minutes to unfold.
Goals from Mark Cadwallader and Conor Harwood saw the Silkmen recover to 4-3 and put the hosts under immense pressure.
With late strikes from Nat Jarvis and Jordan Cotterill, Barry secured a 6-3 victory in a dramatic affair.
Caernarfon Town show character
After their 6-0 defeat to Penybont, Caernarfon Town’s chances of finishing in the top six could have been dented.
However, Huw Griffiths’ side showed a tremendous amount of character and bounced back immediately, going on a three game winning streak.
Having defeated Cefn Druids at the Rock, the Cofis recorded their most significant result of the campaign, with a 2-0 victory over Barry Town.
With goals from substitutes Jack Kenny and Sam Jones, Caernarfon proved they’re well in contention for a top six finish.
Connah’s Quay Nomads defeat title rivals
The fixtures between Connah’s Quay Nomads and The New Saints have undoubtedly become the most important in the Cymru Premier.
Last season’s title rivals are both going head-to-head again this year, with Bala Town also in contention.
December’s clash at the Deeside Stadium was one of huge significance, as The New Saints had an opportunity to go six points clear, while Connah’s Quay Nomads could have gone level at the top of the league.
Andy Morrison’s side put in a brilliant display, with former Saints Aeron Edwards and Michael Wilde hugely influential in a 2-0 win for the Nomads.
The victory for the hosts cemented their place as Cymru Premier title contenders, as the race will resume in the new year.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
