Cefn Albion and Penrhyncoch have been predicted to lead the title race in the Ardal North East 2023/24, according to the bookmakers.
The Albion lost to Bangor 1876 in the Ardal Leagues play-offs last season but now this could be their year but they go that one step further. As the only team from Cefn Mawr now in the top three tiers of Welsh football, they are representing the village, and having been successful in cup competitions like the FAW Trophy, they want to translate that in the league. Fortunately for them, last season’s top scorer Callum Mannion who got 15 goals in 18 games has stayed with the club.
Cefn Albion though have rivals in Penrhyncoch, who share the same odds as the Albion. Penrhyncoch were relegated from the Cymru North, and have done some impressive business. Jonathan Evans, Leigh Jenkins, and Harri Horwood were all playing in the Cymru Premier last year but have dropped down two divisions to help the Roosters get out of the third tier. Penrhyncoch haven’t played outside the second tier since 2016 and they won’t want to stay in the Ardal Leagues for long.
Bow Street aren’t tipped to be far off either with 5/1 odds compared to Cefn and Penrhyncoch’s odds. The Cae Piod based outfit finished the same position last year but weren’t in a position to go up as they didn’t apply for a licence. Bow also finished as runners-up in the Ardal North Cup, losing to Denbigh Town.
At the other end of the table, Barmouth & Dyffryn are being tipped for the drop after being promoted from the Central Wales North League. They finished second last year but have longer odds than Llansantffraid Village who finished below them, but are also expected to be near the drop along with Dolgellau AA.
Llangollen Town, who finished 13th in the North East division last year, getting a reprieve as it was a 15-team division, are also favourites to be relegated. Luke Maybury’s side won 1-0 against Coedpoeth United in the Welsh Cup but are being predicted to have a long season ahead of them.
Barmouth & Dyffryn kick off the season at home under the floodlights as they welcome Welshpool Town to Wern Mynach.
To win the Ardal North East
Outright winner
Cefn Albion – 2/1
Penrhyncoch – 3/1
Bow Street – 5/1
Llanuwchlyn – 8/1
Rhos Aelwyd – 12/1
Llanfair United – 12/1
Builth Wells – 16/1
Llandrindod Wells – 16/1
Radnor Valley – 16/1
Llanrhaeadr – 25/1
Penycae – 25/1
Welshpool Town – 25/1
Dolgellau AA – 28/1
Llansantffraid Village – 28/1
Llangollen Town – 33/1
Barmouth & Dyffryn – 33/1
Odds via DragonBet and correct at the time of publication*
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