WITH the Kon-X Anglesey League coming to a midway point in its season now, AFEFootballNews takes a closer look at who could end up winning the title come the end of the season.
There have been some standout performers in the division this year and those clubs and players deserve some credit for what they have already achieved.
But, who will go on to lift that title come the end of the season and follow in 2016-17 champions Holyhead Town’s (pictured above) footsteps?
As it stands, the top four looks like this:
- Mynydd Tigers 22pts
- Caergybi FC 21pts
- Bryngwran Bulls 19pts
- Valley Athletic 18pts
Here, AFEFootballNews gives their opinion on what might unfold over the next few months …
MYNYDD TIGERS
Currently sitting top of the league, despite only joining the division in the summer, the Tigers have certainly impressed in the Kon-X Anglesey League and have eased their way to victory over several times this season.
The youthful side of players have had a phenomenal campaign to date, having lost just the one match at the hands of title rivals Bryngwran Bulls.
Having signed the talented Herbie Hofsteede from Caernarfon Town’s youth set-up in the summer, the side look very strong on the attack.
The likes of Dafydd Williams and Adam Evans have also been banging in the goals, whilst Captain Mike Williams has been solid at the back for the club and has been a major reason for them having only conceded 12 goals – the least of any team this season.
They are growing in confidence with every match and you can see that they are playing some great football at times too.
PREDICTION: The Tigers will just miss out on the league title this year in my opinion. However, a year’s experience in the division for this group of youngsters will do them the world of good and I think that they will get even better next season.
BRYNGWRAN BULLS
Not many would have fancied the Bulls to have such a great campaign as they are currently doing, but the fact of the matter is, they certainly know how to win games, even if they don’t seem to be going in their favour.
It’s the mark of champions, being able to grind out results, and Richard Owen’s squad are doing just that time and time again with their physical approach to the game.
The Bulls have beaten league leaders Mynydd Tigers twice already this season (once in the league, once in the Bwlch Car Boot Trophy) and look like they have all the credentials to be challenging the top teams for the title.
Their standout star has of course been James Ryan, who has been exceptional in front of goal this season. He has scored an incredible 18 goals in all competitions for them already and is looking like a prolific goal scorer.
They also have captain Andrew Bailey, who is an experienced Anglesey League player and has been banging in the goals as of late.
The likes of Matty Roberts, Iolo Jones, Barry Edwards and Tony Meyer have also impressed throughout the season and its fair to say that they are beginning to build a squad that it is capable and confident enough to challenge at the top of this league.
PREDICTION: I would be very surprised if Bryngwran didn’t win SOME silverware this year. I certainly think they can go on to win the league if they can continue their current run of form of being able to win matches by battling hard for the win. Their two games in hand over Caergybi and Mynydd may come in handy too.
CAERGYBI
Caergybi FC are another side who joined the Kon-X Anglesey League in the summer and are enjoying a fine debut season so far.
Dale Moffat’s side may be newcomers to the division, but they certainly haven’t been pushovers.
In recent weeks, they have enjoyed some fine victories and have been scoring goals for fun, being the second highest scoring team in the division (48) behind Valley who have netted 60.
New signing Gary Jo Owen, who left Valley Athletic to sign for them, has scored eight goals in just four matches since arriving at Mill Bank and seems like he could be the man to fire them to glory this season.
Captain Dewi Thomas has also been a standout player for the club, as have Elliot Patterson, Kurt Harris and Konner Druce, who are all often on the score sheet.
Goalkeeper Kieran Weeks has also been praised for his performances between the sticks that have seen him keep Caergybi in matches every so often.
Some fine performances and a growing sense of confidence within the camp has certainly made Caergybi a team to keep an eye on as the season continues.
PREDICTION: They’re certainly finding their feet well in the league and if they can continue to grow in confidence they will definitely challenge for the title this season. I think they will fall just short of winning it though, as other teams have games in hand over them and a bit more experience in their ranks too.
VALLEY ATHLETIC
During pre-season, Valley would have been many a fan of the league’s favourites to win the division come the end of the season, however there have been some stumbling blocks along the way.
Controversial on-pitch antics against Llandegfan saw them have to suspend a few of their fixtures for a couple of weeks and some players were removed from the squad, whilst others moved to rival clubs.
Their return to action however has pinpointed the fact that they have not been weakened significantly by those losses and they still look as though they could be an outfit that will challenge at the top.
Despite a 4-2 loss to Caergybi in their return to action after a month out, they have bounced back with a 6-0 win over Machno United (NWCJ Cup) and a 5-1 Dargie Cup quarter final win over Llangoed & District Reserves.
Barry Rowlands squad is an experienced one in this division and they have some quality players within that team too
Forward Justin Williams knows exactly how to score the goals and has proven to be their main man so far. Mike Williams, Barry Haigh and Mark Hamblin are also key players within this Valley side who will be hoping to mount a title charge.
They have played less matches than Caergybi and Mynydd Tigers and so have the opportunity to catch them if things go to plan. They also have their superior +47 goal difference going in their favour too, which is 15+ better than anybody else’s in the league.
PREDICTION: They have been through a lot in recent weeks, but I still fancy them to be competing for the title at the end of the season. I think that once they re-discover their ruthless form, they could be real contenders.
Of course, with players likely to come in and out of certain clubs, it’s always hard to predict exactly what might happen, but this is my prediction based on the current situation.
In my opinion, Bryngwran Bulls are currently looking like the favourites to win the division. However, the other three will certainly provide stern competition and will want to prove this certain journalist wrong!
Disagree/agree with the above? Let me know your opinions in the comments section below!
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