Barmouth make huge decision as Ardal North East rocked by withdrawal
BARMOUTH, WALES - 28th MAY 2022 - The Tom Hughes stand at Wern Mynach during Porthmadog FC vs Caersws FC in the LockStock Ardal Leagues Northern Play-Off Final at Wern Mynach, Barmouth
Barmouth & Dyffryn have resigned from the Ardal Leagues, four days before the start of the 2023/24 season.
The Magpies had been due to play Welshpool Town at Wern Mynach on Friday night to kick off the Tier Three league but now those plans have been scrapped. Several key players have departed the club as of late with goalkeeper Tyler Andrews joining Dolgellau along with last season’s top scorer Paul Lewis. The 36-year-old got 40 goals and 14 assists in 30 games in the Central North last year, winning the Golden Boot.
The timing of Barmouth’s late withdrawal means it is unlikely a team from the lower leagues will get a promotion and that the most likely outcome is that will division will run with 15 teams. In the two seasons of its existence, the North East division has seen seven teams either withdraw from the league or accept a demotion.
In a statement published on Facebook by vice-chairman Alun Taylor, he said: “The Club is sorry to have to announce that it has decided to withdraw from Tier 3 and the Ardal Northern League for this coming season.
“Unforeseen circumstances have come to light in the last two or three weeks which mean we would not be able to do justice to playing at Tier 3 level.
“A further announcement will be made when plans have been finalised for the Club for 2023/24.”
The news comes after Barmouth suffered a 9-2 defeat to Menai Bridge Tigers in the Welsh Cup last week.
Iolo Owen’s side finished second in the Central Wales Northern Division last season and were promoted alongside Llansantffraid Village. The Central Wales League North is due to begin on Friday, and so it is unsure whether they would be admitted to the fourth-tier.
