The Ardal Northern Playoff takes place on Saturday afternoon with Llay Welfare taking on Llanuwchllyn in the decider for the final promotion spot into the Cymru North.
Ten years since their last promotion, Llanuwchllyn manager Sion Tudor Jones was involved in taking the club into the third tier of Welsh football and is hoping to go one further this weekend with a Playoff victory over Llay Welfare.
“As a club, we are very happy with the way we have performed and conducted ourselves throughout the season,” said Tudor-Jones.
“It’s a tough league and you’ve got to be on top of your game to come away with three points, especially away from home.” Jones replied when asked about his side’s campaign to date.
“Looking back at the season, I believe that availability of players contributed towards a poor start – we were unbeaten in the league until February but we drew five games in the first nine and I believe this cost us valuable points.
“As a whole, it’s been a great season and it was a great contest for the league between ourselves, Bow Street and Penrhyncoch. Three great sides having a good go.”
The club are hoping for a double celebration this weekend as their Reserves side are involved in their own league final on Saturday afternoon which has brought plenty of pride to the Club, which Sion explains what is means for all concerned.
“In terms of the playoff, we’re just grateful of the opportunity to represent a club such as Llanuwchllyn. I genuinely believe the club has come a long way over the years, and now with the reserves doing so well in their first season, it shows what can be done if everyone works hard and has the ambition to succeed.”
“Saturday will be a historical day for the club, a day to enjoy and hopefully, to remember for all the right reasons. On a personal level, whatever the result, I’m so proud of the players, the management staff, the committee, and our supporters – they have been superb” he said.
Based on the outskirts of Wrexham, Llay Welfare are no strangers to Llanuwchllyn who they have faced numerous times over recent years and the Uwchllyn boss knows that they will have to be at their best come Saturday lunchtime.
“Llay are a really good side. We have had many battles over the years and the games have always been tight, not much has separated the two sides. I think Saturday will be similar. Llay have always been physical, hardworking and in general, just a really difficult side to beat.”
He continued “Mike Gadie and his management team have done a brilliant job over the years therefore there’s a lot of respect between the two sides. We will have to be on our game if we’re going to have any success against them.”
Both outfits concluded their league campaigns respectively last Saturday, however Llay were awaiting the result of their licensing appeal which was successfully announced by the FAW on Tuesday evening. With their opponents unknown until a few days ago, has it made preparations difficult for the Penllyn based outfit not knowing who they’d be facing?
“Not really, both sides are really strong and quite similar in their playing style. Mainly, it has been a case of preparing ourselves rather than focusing on the opposition. However, with Rhyl finishing their season almost three weeks ago, lack of playing time could’ve been a factor to consider had they reached the playoff” Jones revealed.
Last summer saw the addition of striker Meilir Williams who has been in tremendous goalscoring form, finding the net 28 times in the Ardal North East and been instrumental in Llanuwchllyn’s promotion chasing campaign. A player that Jones has rated for quite some time.
“Meilir is a player I’ve tried to sign a few times over the years but it became easier after working with him at Porthmadog. He has been a terrific signing, he scores goals for fun and he fit’s the Llanuwchllyn mould perfectly.”
“I could list many players that have stood out this season but there are too many to mention” Jones added.
Their success on the field is also matched off the field over at Cae Llan. Recent ground developments has seen numerous improvements over the last two years with the addition of a stand and a brand new playing surface topped off with a successful Tier 2 Licence awarded for the first time by their hardworking volunteers. Sion was keen to applaud those who’ve been involved in their ambitions so far and knows how much it would mean to the local community to be in the Cymru North.
“The committee have worked extremely hard over the last few years, constantly doing their best to improve and develop the club. The fact that we are one win away from gaining promotion to the Cymru North speaks volumes, it shows where we are as a club and as a community. Should we win, I know everyone will be on board.”
“As Headteacher of the local school in the village I’m well aware that the mentality of the whole community is to do things right. On the flip side, I also know that if we come short on Saturday, the committee and the whole community will still be very proud of our achievements.”
Having to curtail his playing days early due to injuries, Sion has plenty of managerial experience under his belt with spells at Porthmadog, Corwen and Bala Town Reserves over the years so what would it mean to him to get the desired outcome this weekend?
“The club gained promotion back in 2016 to what was the Premier Division at the time, Tier 3 equivalent. It was a huge achievement for the club and since then all involved have been so happy and content to see us hold our own in a hugely competitive league, season after season. Gaining promotion to Tier 2 would be unbelievable” Jones began.
“For me personally, it would mean everything. Due to injury, I was forced into managing and coaching at a young age which has meant huge sacrifices and long hours over the years. My family have been so supportive and for that I’m so grateful. I took over the club for the first time 10 years ago, and it really is a special club.”
“Gaining promotion isn’t something that happens often, but to do it again with Llanuwchllyn would be extra special. Whatever the result, I’m proud of all involved and those associated with the club” he concluded.
Llay Welfare v Llanuwchllyn takes place on Saturday, 25th May at 12.30 p.m. at Maes Tegid, home of Bala Town F.C. Admission: £5 Adults, £2 Children.
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