Ardal Leagues dealt major blow as yet another team withdraws
The Ardal Leagues has taken another blow after Berriew became the latest club to withdraw from the North East division.
Berriew are the second club to withdraw from the third-tier division this month after Machynlleth announced their intentions at the start of the month, where they were replaced by Wrexham-based Llangollen.
The 2022/23 Ardal North East fixtures were released last week and they were due to begin the campaign against Cefn Albion on Saturday, August 6.
With just under three weeks until the league season starts, a reprieve or promotion for any other team remains unlikely given the fixture list has been handed out, so remaining with 15-teams is the most logisitical option.
As a result of their decision, first-team manager Josh Gough has opted to move on from his post with a decision expected of his successor in due course.
Explaining their decision, they released a statement that read: “The Club has lost a significant number of senior players during the close season and have not been able to replace them.
“We would have had to rely on a squad largely consisting of last season’s Reserve team. We believe that would have been unfair on those players, our supporters, and the other teams in the league.
“We remain an ambitious club and intend to rebuild for the future. We have therefore applied to fill the vacancy in the MMP Central Wales League North created by the recent withdrawal of Churchstoke FC.”
Top scorer Joe Haycock, who netted 19 goals last season was one of many key members to depart, joining Cymru North outfit Guilsfield.
Edward Baker has also made the step up, joining newly promoted Chirk AAA.
Drew Cooke, Jack Jones, George Mitten, and Richard Davies meanwhile have both moved to Llanfair United.
Berriew finished sixth last season, finishing 21 points behind second-placed Caersws who finished in a play-off position.
They are due to play at home against Knighton Town in the first qualifying round of the Welsh Cup next Saturday on Saturday, July 30.
