The JD Cymru Premier made its return on Tuesday as Newtown defeated Penybont 2-0 at Latham Park, but this weekend its back in its full form.
Every club is in action in a full set of fixtures in the Welsh top flight. Some players will be making their debuts after January moves while others will be hoping to continue their good run of form.
This piece will look at a player from each of the 12 clubs in the league that we’ll all be happy to see back strutting their stuff.
The New Saints F.C – Louis Robles
The New Saints find themselves three points ahead at the top of the JD Cymru Premier although Connah’s Quay in second place do have a game in hand but Louis Robles has been instrumental in his getting The New Saints to the summit.
Robles in his first season with The New Saints has scored nine goals since signing from Bala Town which included the winner against Connah’s Quay back in October. Robles hasn’t netted since the home victory against Barry Town United in November, therefore there will be plenty of motivation for the striker to push The New Saints towards regaining their league crown. His movement and eye for goal threatens any defence and here’s hoping he can give us more eye-catching moments when the league returns.
Connah’s Quay Nomads – Danny Davies
Before the latest lockdown period, Davies was one of the form players in the league and if he played well so did The Nomads. A menace on the wings with his speed and trickery, and a constant invitation for his team mates to make runs into the box and more often than not Davies would find them.
An all rounder in sporting terms as before coming into football he donned the whites for Northamptonshire Cricket Club. If The Nomads are to retain their title, Davies will certainly contribute to that and from what we’ve already seen from him, let’s hope there’s more to come and that his form before the break continues when the league is up and running again.
Bala Town – Will Evans
This could’ve easily been Chris Venables or Henry Jones but for me Evans has been one of the stars so far this season, a standout when he was Cardiff MET and he has continued his form at The Lakesiders. Evans has scored 10 goals in his first season with Bala and is improving game by game. Bala are building a squad capable of challenging for the title but Evans will be at the forefront along with Venables of any title push the Lakesiders make.
Evans is a quality operator and is one of the best in the league, his goal against Newtown at Maes Tegid earlier this season proves it amongst other moments which shows that it was shrewd business from Colin Caton to bring him into his squad. A great player and one to look out for when things get back and running again.
Barry Town United – Jordan Cotterill
On his day, he can change any game in a moment and Barry Town certainly rely on his quality if they are to change their fortunes when Barry get up and going again, currently they are on a wretched run of form with only two wins in their last 11 however in those two wins have scored 10 goals.
Cotterill has caught the eye often this season, especially in the 6-3 victory against Flint Town United, a player who can pick a pass out and create something out of nothing, if Barry Town are to stay in the top four, Cotterill will be an integral part of it and hopefully we’ll see more of him at his best as the season comes to an end.
Caernarfon Town – Sion Bradley
One of the most exciting players in the league, and if the fans were allowed at the stadiums I’m sure he would’ve had the ‘Cofi Army’ faithful off their seats many times. Since signing from Porthmadog, he’s been one of Caernarfon’s best players and if Bradley plays well, so do Caernarfon.
A tenacious winger who doesn’t give opposing full-backs a minute of rest and has contributed a lot towards his side’s success this season. Caernarfon sit in fifth place currently and will be looking to aim for a top four finish, Bradley will be looking to add to his three goals and provide more goals to the likes of Cai Jones & Mike Hayes and hopefully Bradley will be catching the eye of viewers as things get going again.
Penybont – Lewis Harling
Not many expected Penybont to occupy a position in the top six this season, and after playing 14 games, they have a couple of games in hand on sides above them so that top six could easily come top four in the next couple of weeks.
Lewis Harling has been immense for Rhys Griffiths’ side this season, after his season was curtailed last season due to injury and the pandemic, Harling is certainly making up for time lost. A tough tackling midfielder who can also be a threat going forward, four goals this season also show he’s got an eye for goal. When Penybont beat Caernarfon 6-0 earlier on in the season, Harling was the best player on the pitch. If Penybont are to occupy a top six position at the end of the season, much of that will be due to the impact that Harling has on his side. A quality operator and one we’ll be looking forward to see again.
Haverfordwest County – Jack Wilson
Where would Haverfordwest be without this man’s contribution? Currently on 8 goals for the season and an important cog in Wayne Jones side this season, Wilson has certainly impressed during his time with Haverfordwest, signed as a wideman to help create the goals, the 19 year old has decided that he’ll go one better and score most of them.
A player with a creative eye and knows where the goal is, and a definite contender for young player of the season. Hopefully Wilson hasn’t lost that knack for goal during the forced break and when Haverfordwest get going again, Wilson will be just as good as he was during the first part of the season.
Cardiff Metropolitan University – Eliot Evans
Where would Cardiff Met be without this man? A true servant to the club and has been with them all the way from promotion to their Europa League qualification. On his day, a fantastic player and one that has shown before he can drag his side out of trouble. Evans is a true goal threat, be it a one one one with the keeper, outside the box or from a dead ball situation. Only three goals to his name and Met will be reliant on their star man to turn their fortunes around and push for the top six.
Cefn Druids – Alex Darlington
We all know how good this man can be, we’ve seen it before during spells with The New Saints and Bangor City, Druids have done well to give themselves a fighting chance of staying in the JD Cymru Premier and Darlington has been a massive part of that.
A quality skillful player who can score and create goals and is an asset to Bruno Lopes side. A team that struggles for goals therefore keeping Darlington fit will be paramount in their efforts to stay in the JD Cymru Premier, but to have a player who’s seen it and won it is something not most fighting at the bottom have.
Newtown – Nick Rushton
Newtown are struggling but if wasn’t for the goals of Nick Rushton, there would not be much hope for them. A classy player who knows how to find the net and Newtown will need that from him when they start playing again. Currently on six goals for the season and at times single handedly getting his team out of trouble as seen in the last game before the lockdown period at Caernarfon.
A quality finisher and if Newtown create the chances for him, he’ll finish them off. If the Robins are to stay in the top flight, Rushton will be a big part of it. Newtown have strenghtened during the transfer period but keeping Rushton at the club might be the most important piece of business for The Robins
Aberystwyth Town – Marc Williams
With only two wins to their name this season, Aberystwyth will be reliant on their captain if they are to escape relegation. A fantastic player on his day and a proven player at this level. A tenacious striker who gives 110% every game, Williams has a keen eye for goal but can also split any defence with his passing ability.
A JD Cymru Premier player of the year during his time at Llandudno and Aber will be looking for their captain to find that form again if they are going to continue their tenure as a JD Cymru Premier club.
And there we have 12 players from the 12 clubs of the JD Cymru Premie. Let’s hope the next phase of the season is just as exciting as the first was.
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