Last week we asked Y Clwb Pel Droed readers to decide their Welsh National League Premier Division ‘Team of the Season’, and votes have been flooding in with many positions well fought for.
Nominees included a host of Queens Park’s title winning team, Brickfield Rangers’ impressive squad and FAW Trophy winners Chirk AAA, but only the readers could make the call on our final XI.
The final eleven have now been decided, and Queens Park have reflected their storming season by dominating the vote.
Take a look at our WNLPD Team of the Season, as decided by you, below.
Goalkeeper: Terry McCormick (Brickfield Rangers)
Brickfield Rangers’ ambition to reach a higher level is well known, and their chances of promotion in coming seasons look good with a solid goalkeeper in Terry McCormick. The ex-Connah’s Quay Nomads, Bala Town and Conwy Borough man brings a wealth of experience to Brickfield, and his inclusion in this XI is backed by the fact Brickfield boast the best defensive record in the 16/17 campaign.
Left Back: Matty Woods (Chirk AAA)
Matty Woods’ performances at left back this season have not gone unnoticed in a talented Chirk AAA squad. His versatile nature coupled with an eye for goal saw Chirk push for an outside chance of the title and win the FAW Trophy this season.
Central Defender: Phil Pearce (Chirk AAA)
Pearce joins Woods to further solidify Chirk’s presence in this team. A product of Chirk’s youth team who has risen to become captain, he has earned legendary AAA status having led the side to the league title in 2013 and two FAW Trophy finals in 2014 and 2017.
Central Defender: Tony ‘Trout’ Jones (Queens Park)
Tony ‘Trout’ Jones has earned an enviable reputation as one of the best defenders in the local football scene and is no stranger to getting in front of goal. His tireless work at the back saw Queens Park pip Brickfield to the title and narrowly miss out on a NEWFA Cup, losing 3-2 in the final to Gresford.
Right Back: Sean Humphreys (Queens Park)
Despite Humphrey’s defensive position, the Queens Park man plays with an attacking style which helped the Champions score more than a century (113) of goals this season. He completes a defensive line which is evenly shared between Queens Park and Chirk AAA.
Left Midfield: Tom Williams (Corwen)
Williams is one of the first names a manager will mention when preparing a team against Corwen. His pace and impressive strength make him a nightmare for defenders across the league, scoring 28 from 35 appearances this season. Williams has clearly earned the adulation of the WNLPD, as he was one of the most voted for players in the poll.
Centre Midfielder: Corey Smart (Queens Park)
Corey Smart continues the strong Queens Park theme to our WNLPD team after a stunning season with the champions. He applied experience from the Huws Gray Alliance to become an integral part of Queens Park’s squad, with his specialist long throw ins becoming a deadly asset. Smart was the single most voted for player in this XI.
Centre Midfielder: Chris Bennion (Chirk AAA)
Chris Bennion adds an accomplished style to the Chirk midfield, meaning he is a constant starter for the side. A commanding player with a great deal of experience at this level, Bennion forms yet another Chirk/Queens Park partnership in the team.
Right Midfield: Nathan Buckley (Queens Park)
Nathan Buckley joins his Queens Park team mates on the right wing, a position he has thrived in this season. With a bold style and electric pace, he is constantly found making runs for Queens Park and his energy earns him a place in the Y Clwb Pel Droed side.
Striker: Barry Torrence (Queens Park)
Torrence was prolific up front for Queens Park this season and one of the most popular players amongst voters. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Boomer’ he has a penchant for hitting clinical long range efforts, and as the club’s leading goal scorer he is a favourite of the Park faithful.
Striker: Mike Latham (Queens Park)
Our top two are both proven goal scorers, and represent the constant Queens Park presence decided by the voters in this Team of the Season. Mike Latham has been a constant name on the score sheet for Queens Park, and may well use previous HGA experience to continue hitting the target in the 17/18 campaign.
alan jones
Any chance of publishing the number of votes all the nominees received?