Ardal North West table predicted with Trearddur Bay, Prestatyn Town, Pwllheli, and Kinmel Bay verdicts
Broughton United have been tipped to avoid the drop in the Ardal North West. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
The Ardal North West title race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with Welsh bookmaker Dragon Bet making Prestatyn Town and Trearddur Bay the joint favourites to lift the trophy.
Both clubs have been priced at 2/1 ahead of the new campaign, with Prestatyn’s odds shortening significantly from the 3/1 they were given a month ago, while Trearddur Bay remain unchanged as the early market leaders.
The latest odds suggest there could be little to separate the leading contenders, with last season’s dominant Cymru North promotion picture having left the door open for a much more unpredictable battle at the top.
Two teams earned promotion from the Ardal North West last season, with Bangor City claiming the title in emphatic fashion and CPD Porthmadog securing promotion through the play-offs. Meanwhile, Ruthin Town retained their Cymru North place after Flint Mountain’s double relegation, meaning no side dropped down from the higher division.
That lack of relegation has created an unusual scenario, with several clubs believing the title is there for the taking.
Prestatyn rise after impressive start
Prestatyn Town have been the biggest movers in the betting market, shortening from 3/1 favourites on June 27 to 2/1 ahead of the opening weekend.
The Seasiders have already caught the eye in pre-season competitive action, recording convincing Welsh Cup and Amateur Trophy victories.
They defeated FC Mountain before producing a 5-0 win against Meliden, strengthening the belief that they could be serious contenders this season.
Prestatyn have also strengthened their squad, bringing Tom Hilditch back to the club from Trearddur Bay after his impressive campaign last year, where he scored 22 goals in 24 appearances.
They have also added Zebb Edwards, who has experience playing at a higher level, while Tom Kemp has arrived from local rivals Rhyl 1879. Experienced campaigner Ryan Kershaw has also joined the Seasiders as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for honours.
Trearddur Bay armed with last season’s top scorers
Trearddur Bay remain firmly among the favourites after retaining their 2/1 price.
Their ambitions have been boosted by some eye-catching attacking additions, including last season’s Golden Boot winner Osian Hughes.
Hughes enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Bethesda Athletic, scoring 33 goals in 28 matches, but has now moved to Trearddur Bay. He wasted little time making an impact, scoring and providing two assists on his competitive debut.
Trearddur have also secured the signing of Callum Parry, who finished third in the scoring charts last season after netting 27 goals in 24 games. Parry marked his first appearance for the club with a hat-trick.
Their Welsh Cup campaign also began in impressive fashion, with Trearddur defeating Llandrindod Wells 6-0 away from home, although their game against Ruabon Rovers was postponed last weekend.
Llannefydd and Bethesda remain outside challengers
Llannefydd remain third favourites at 7/2, unchanged from a month ago.
They did not feature in the opening Welsh Cup qualifying round, but made a statement with a 6-0 victory over Sydchyn United, with Tudor Jones scoring a hat-trick.
Bethesda Athletic are priced at 11/2, also unchanged, although they will be hoping to cope with the departure of Hughes after losing last season’s leading goalscorer.
New arrivals and promoted clubs enter the picture
The three promoted clubs — Broughton United, Kinmel Bay and Nefyn United — all enter the division with differing expectations.
Kinmel Bay have shortened slightly from 8/1 to 10/1, while Nefyn United have drifted from 8/1 to 10/1. Broughton United remain at 14/1 after their promotion.
Connah’s Quay Town, meanwhile, have received a reprieve and will compete in the division despite originally facing the prospect of dropping out. They are priced at 16/1.
Llay Welfare have moved from 6/1 to 8/1, despite strengthening their squad with at least seven new additions, including Taylor Edwards and Connor Davies from Greenfield.
Mid-table contenders looking to surprise
Llanrwst United and NFA have both drifted slightly, moving from 10/1 to 12/1, while Llangefni Town and Penmaenmawr Phoenix remain at 14/1.
Penmaenmawr will hope to benefit from the continued presence of Toby Jones, who finished last season as the league’s assist leader with 20 assists in 31 matches after joining from Trearddur Bay in January.
Pwllheli remain outsiders at 25/1 despite retaining the services of Josua Jones. The midfielder recorded 19 assists and five goals last season and will be key to their hopes of outperforming expectations.
Y Felinheli are the biggest outsiders in the market at 33/1.
Opening weekend fixtures
The new season begins with several intriguing fixtures, including several clashes between potential promotion contenders.
Connah’s Quay Town host newly promoted Kinmel Bay, while NFA welcome Llanrwst United.
Penmaenmawr Phoenix begin their campaign at home to Pwllheli, and Mynydd Isa travel to Llay Welfare.
Nefyn United face Bethesda Athletic, Broughton United start life in the division against Llannefydd, and Prestatyn Town host Y Felinheli.
The opening weekend’s headline fixture sees Llangefni Town and Trearddur Bay go head-to-head.
With no relegated side entering the division, several ambitious clubs strengthening their squads, and the betting market unable to separate the two favourites, the Ardal North West looks set for a fascinating title race.
Ardal North West title odds
Dragon Bet’s latest odds for the Ardal North West title are:
- Prestatyn Town – 2/1
- Trearddur Bay – 2/1
- Llannefydd – 7/2
- Bethesda Athletic – 11/2
- Llay Welfare – 8/1
- Kinmel Bay – 10/1
- Nefyn United – 10/1
- Llanrwst United – 12/1
- NFA – 12/1
- Broughton United – 14/1
- Llangefni Town – 14/1
- Penmaenmawr Phoenix – 14/1
- Connah’s Quay Town – 16/1
- Mynydd Isa – 20/1
- Pwllheli – 25/1
- Y Felinheli – 33/1
