Ardal Northern League Cup Final 2023/24

LEAGUE OFFICIALS

Chairperson & FAW

Vice President

Will Lloyd Williams

Match Officials Officer

General & Fixture Secretary

Chas Rowland

Simon Newport Treasurer

Club Representative North East

Wyn Lewis

Media Officer Chris Parry

Ken Richardson

Club Representative North West

Stuart Lawrence

ARDAL NW LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2021/22 - MOLD ALEXANDRA

2022/23 - DENBIGH TOWN

2023/24 - FLINT MOUNTAIN

HONOURS

ARDAL NE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2021/22 - CHIRK AAA 2022/23 - CAERSWS

2023/24 - PENRHYNCOCH

ARDAL NORTHERN LEAGUE CUP

2021/22 - CAERSWS 2022/23 - DENBIGH TOWN 2023/24 - TBD

PLAYOFF WINNERS

2021/22 - PORTHMADOG 2022/23 - BANGOR 1876 2023/24 - LLAY WELFARE

CLUB HISTORY

Established in 2009 by school friends looking to play competitive football together, Flint Mountain began in the now defunct Clwyd League. In 2011, the club joined the North East Wales League as founding members after the Clwyd League was restructured and replaced. That season, despite finishing bottom of the table, they defied the odds by clinching the end of season Auxiliary Cup, the club's first piece of silverware.

Over the next few years the club took on a nomadic nature, as they moved between grounds in Flint, Connah’s Quay, Rhydymwyn, Sychdyn and Northop Hall. In 2019, Flint Mountain were crowned champions of the North East Wales League in an unbeaten league season, whilst also securing three cups in a quadruple winning season. That success, coupled with a move to Pant Newydd in Halkyn, saw the newly renamed Halkyn & Flint Mountain promoted to the Welsh National League Division One, where they then finished sixth in a debut season blighted by poor weather and the early curtailment of the season due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021, following another league restructure, the club finished runners-up in the new North East Wales Premier Division and were promoted to the Ardal North West League. At the end of the season, the club returned to their home town of Flint after a ten year absence after agreeing to groundshare at the Essity Stadium, home of Flint Town United. The club also returned to its roots by changing its name back to Flint Mountain Football Club.

After a fourth place finish in our debut Ardal North West campaign, this was followed by securing the league title and North East Wales Challenge Cup this season and will see a third promotion in five years.

CLUB HISTORY

Holyhead is a town rich in football history from Holyhead FC in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s to the glory days of the 1950’s and 1960’s when the famous Harbourmen rode high on the stage of North Wales football from their base at Cae Mwd on Turkeyshore Road. Since then, Holyhead has been represented by team as diverse as the Holyhead Liberals, Holyhead Locos, Holyhead Mountain Rangers and Holyhead United Juniors.

Holyhead Hotspur F.C was founded in 1990 when several prominent people involved in local football formed the club. At the time of its formation, there were four other local clubs in the town operating in different leagues of The North Wales Coast Football Association.

By 1997 and due to the success of Hotspur, all the clubs had amalgamated and Holyhead Hotspur became the modern successor to the Harbourmen of years ago and formed a senior team, a reserve team and junior/youth teams from under 7 to under 16.

The club has enjoyed great success as can be seen from the Club Honours List. In successive seasons back in 1995/6, and 1997/8 seasons The Anglesey League, Gwynedd League and Welsh Alliance League Champions were won and this was the focus which resulted in the amalgamation of all the Holyhead Clubs in existence at that time.

Hotspur remained in the 2nd tier of the Welsh pyramid for a couple of seasons but were relegated to the 3rd tier in 2021/2. They are now in the Lock Stock Ardal North West competition and we hope to bounce back quickly.

What we now see as the ‘New Stadium’ was formerly a 3G pitch with a main stand and floodlights. Over the years due to poor maintenance the 3G pitch became unplayable the main stand seating had been removed and the facility closed in 2001 on health and safety grounds.

After an application by secretary Richard Parry for funding was denied by the Sports Council for Wales in 2002, an application submitted to the Welsh Government for £ 100,000 was successful in 2004. To ensure its success the Isle of Anglesey County Council had to commit £ 50,000 match funding. In the same year another £ 32,000 was obtained from the Welsh Government and £ 8.000 from the Welsh Development Agency. This £ 190,000 provided a grass pitch (£122.000) refurbish the main stand with 520 seats, press box and p/a (£41,000) new dug outs, removal of the grass mounds, tree planting and new electricity supply.

Over the following years the secretary secured further grants from other sources for European goals, erection of turnstile block, new shower facilities, a treatment room, numerous other ground facilities, physio tables and training equipment all to be available for the grand opening of the stadium when work is completed.

In 2006 we secured from Kingsland primary school a mobile class room which was adapted as the first stage of the existing club house. This replaced the portacabin secured some years before used for hospitality, store room and club shop.

On Saturday 28 th July 2007 the New Stadium was officially opened and we hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers. The night before in the BRSA Club we had an official reception and dinner with guest speakers Chris Evans (who made all the arrangements for us) and Mike Smith ex Wales Manager. Further improvements to the stadium have taken place over the years with a large addition to the club house in 2008 purchased on favourable terms from Stena Line, a grant to erect a Covered shelter for disabled spectators in 2009 and a portacabin to house the club shop. The floodlights were upgraded to 500 plus lux to accommodate television in 2010.

The Youth Development section of the club has also benefited over the years with improvements to their facilities on the old New Oval.

Overall it is estimated that some half million pounds has been secured and spent to provide these new facilities in the New Stadium and New Oval. There has been a lot of hard work by many over the years to provide one of the better stadiums in North Wales.

Final League Table

WITH THE GAFFERADEN SHANNON FLINT MOUNTAIN

Media Officer, Chris Parry spoke with the manager of the newly crowned Ardal North West League Champions.

You sealed the Ardal North West League title against Llannefydd a couple of weeks ago. You've had to play catch up to Rhyl 1879 for the majority of the season due to you having so many games in hand because of your amazing cup runs. How does it feel to be league champions?

Firstly it’s been a tough long season so it feels fantastic to have come out as champions.

It’s a very difficult league to win and every game has been a challenge to us.

Due to our cup runs, we were always playing catch up to Rhyl who were leading the way comfortably but I was confident that we would win the league as the lads have been superb and had that hunger and desire all season

You've had a fantastic season overall and deservedly so. Full credit to you, your staff and players. I'm sure you would have mapped out your targets at the beginning of the season but have your achievements, even exceeded your expectations?

Yes, it’s been a great season doing the double so far. But I am hoping to make it a special season by going on to win the treble and whatever happens today I am very proud of the players. My staff plus people behind the scenes have also played a huge part this season

Our aim was obviously promotion but we have had some great cup runs. Getting to the Welsh cup quarter final was obviously great for the club but the whole season for me has been superb and very enjoyable

This will be Flint Mountains' second cup final of the season following your NEWFA Cup win against Cymru North side, Mold Alex. You're now on for a treble, does that give you and players added pressure?

We will approach this game as we do every game. The lads will be prepared and ready to go. As long as we come off the pitch knowing we have not been out battled or out worked then I will be happy.

We are high on confidence so hopefully we can turn up and show again how good we can be.

Today's opponents, Holyhead Hotspur have only lost once in their last 17 matches and that includes a 1-0 win against you in April. Even though you are league champions, do you think their current form makes them favourites and does that affect or change your preparations ahead of the game?

Holyhead are a very good side and I have the utmost respect for Daz.

He’s one of the good guys in football and it’s great to see them do well this season and I honestly hope they go on to win the league next season but it’s a cup final and we will put our friendship aside and do battle.

We have trained this week and approached this game as we would any other game and we will be ready to go

Photo - [Flint Mountain]

Photo - [A Jones Media]

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDSFLINT MOUNTAIN

Loyal Flint Mountain supporters, John Gunther and son Archie caught up with Chris Parry to review their season

Firstly, how long have you been a supporter of Flint Mountain?

I have followed Flint Mountain for a few years as my Brother Marc played for them a few years back, but my son Archie is a huge fan since Richie Foulkes signed for them as he was his favourite player from Flint Town Utd and we have followed religiously since, home and away since 2022

What has been your stand out moment of the season so far?

My son Archie being mascot vs Bala Town in the Welsh Cup semi final. All the players make a real fuss of him and it was captain Ieuan Hewitt who contacted us to see if he’d like to be mascot

What has been the most disappointing moment of your season?

The Rhyl defeat in the FAW Amateur Trophy. I thought we were robbed

The treble is on!! Can you do it and what would it mean to Flint Mountain supporters?

It would be a massive achievement and my son Archie has been involved in the title and NEWFA cup wins, having photos with all the players and coaches and he was even given winners medals by some of the players too

Which player or players should Holyhead Hotspur be wary of today?

Jack Sconce has been outstanding this season. He's constant threat and has wand of a left foot. Calyn Spencers' pace will worry them and if Ryan Kershaw is fit he could play a massive factor

Who's your favourite player and why?

Aaron Simpson has shown real class this season, he’s been a great signing and will be massive next season in Tier 2. Archie has many favourites; Dom McHugh, Ieuan Hewitt, Calyn Spencer and Jamie King are his favourites

Who's been your Player of the Season?

Jack Sconce for me! His assists and goals been a massive part of a great season

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDSFLINT MOUNTAIN

Loyal Flint Mountain supporters, John Gunther and son Archie caught up with Chris Parry to review their season...

What are your thoughts on your season overall?

Happy!! Because my son Archie has loved going to nearly every game and we also go to watch the reserves when possible too. Even my 6 year old daughter Edith loves it. The players and staff make a fuss of the kids and I’ve enjoyed watching them play.

What are your expectations for Flint Mountain in the Cymru North next season?

If the club can add some more quality players, I can’t see why a top 6 finish can’t be achieved. However, it will be tough as the league has some real quality Airbus, Holywell, Mold, Denbigh and Prestatyn is still a massive club. But Archie is buzzing for next season and already planning the away trips.

Interview questions by Chris Parry [Media Officer] Photos [A Jones Media, Flint Mountain, John Gunther]

WITH THE GAFFER - DARREN GARMEY

HOLYHEAD HOTSPUR

Holyhead Manager, Daz Garmey caught up with Ardal Northern Media Officer, Chris Parry to reflect on a positive season for the Hotspurs

From the outside looking in, you've had a fantastic second half of season, losing only once in your last 17 matches and finishing in the top 4 of the Ardal North West and reaching the Ardal Northern League Cup Final. What are your overall thoughts on your season?

The season has probably gone how we expected if I'm honest. We had a rebuild in the summer and it took us longer than we had hoped to get everyone settled and find the best system to suit the players.

We had no doubts about the quality of the players we brought in and now we are getting to see their quality week after week.

Finishing so strongly is pleasing and it will give us momentum going into next season which is also important.

Managers and their staff generally like to set goals and targets at the start of the season. Following a tough season in the Cymru North last year, was reaching a cup final on the agenda?

Yes, some silverware was definitely a target as well as bringing back a good feeling to the club after the struggles of last season.

Cup finals do not come around too often, so it will be massive for the players and everyone associated to the club.

We will be hoping to finish the season on a real high before having our summer break.

Given your impressive form since January, which included a 1-0 win over today's opponents, there are a few people saying that you are favourites heading into today's final, despite Flint Mountain being crowned league champions. How do you see it and will you approach the game differently?

I think form goes out of the window when it comes to cup games and especially finals, so I wouldn’t like to label us as the favourites. However we are in a good place and will be going into the game with a lot of self belief.

Flint Mountain are a quality side and Aden and Johnny deserve a lot of credit for how they have managed the squad throughout the season with them going deep in all of the cup competitions they have entered as well as being league champions.

We will approach the game knowing we have the character and the ability to get the win as we have shown already but we will have to guard against complacency as they can punish you from any situation.

What would it mean to Holyhead Hotspur supporters and the people involved with club to win the Ardal Northern League Cup at the first attempt?

To win the cup would be something special for everyone but especially the volunteers and committee, who work tirelessly to make the club what it is today. Their work never goes unnoticed from us and there would be no better way to thank them than lifting the trophy and sharing it with them tonight.

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDSHOLYHEAD HOTSPUR

Barry Roberts,club secretary and lifelong Hotspurs supporter, offers his thoughts ahead of todays final...

Firstly, how long have you been a supporter of Holyhead Hotspur?

I've supported the club for over 18 years, I grew up just down the road from the ground. I missed a few years as I moved away from the area but when I moved back I got involved again. As well as being a fan I help the club in various roles, too.

What has been your stand out moment of the season so far?

It was a bit of a slow start to the season, but once we got going we were a match for anyone. Without a doubt the stand out moment was Shay Murphy's last minute equaliser against Bow Street in the Semi Final. It was great to see a youth player scoring such an important goal.

What has been the most disappointing moment of your season?

There hasn't really been a single moment, but we have lost a few points to last minute goals this season. If we had held on to them points we could have challenged for the title due to the run we went on in the second half of the season

What would it mean to you and your fellow Holyhead supporters to win the Ardal Northern League Cup?

It's been a few years since our last trophy so It would mean everything, we've had a couple of relegations so to see they lads lift the cup would be amazing, we know it's going to be tough against a quality Flint Mountain side although we did recently beat them so fingers crossed

Which player or players should Flint Mountain be wary of today?

Holyhead Hotspur haha!! Our front 2 of Dylan and Cory are a handful for anyone and have proved that this season with a great return of goals. Alex Jones in defence is always a danger from set pieces as well as being a rock at the back.

Who's your favourite player and why?

It's hard to look above Alex Jones to be honest. Captain of the club and has been at Hotspur through the whole youth system.

He is still going strong, solid at the back and always a threat in the opposition area.

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDSHOLYHEAD HOTSPUR

Barry Roberts,club secretary and lifelong Hotspurs supporter, offers his thoughts ahead of todays final...

Who's been your player of the season?

Hard to choose between Dylan Summers Jones and Jack Walsh. Jack has helped the midfield keep ticking over after the early season loss of Dean Garmey. Dylan has been in great form all season and he's scored some crucial goals.

What are your thoughts on your season overall?

We've been on a fantastic run this season and if we had more games to play, we could have pushed for the title. Although as a club I personally I think another year in this league will put us in a better position going forward.

What are your expectations for Holyhead Hotspur next season?

I think we will be up there next season. A cup win would be great but I think next season we should be competing for the title.

Interview questions by Chris Parry [Media Officer] Photos [Colin Ewart - Pitchside Images]

THE FINAL WORDCHAS ROWLAND LEAGUE SECRETARY

Tonight’s final is the last game of a very long Lock Stock Ardal Northern season.

It’s not ideal to play the game on a Thursday evening but the weather has been the key factor in scheduling all fixtures this season.

Congratulation to both teams on reaching the final and to the match officials on their appointments and many thanks to Bala Town for hosting the final.

Both teams won their home games against each other this season and have scored one hundred and forty-five goals between them, so tonight’s game could be another entertaining encounter.

Promotion and relegation to and from the Lock Stock Ardal Northern leagues will have been confirmed at last night’s FAW liaison meeting, with the makeup of the leagues for next season decided at the next FAW National league Board (NLB) meeting.

Good luck to both teams tonight and may the best team win a good, open sporting game.

Regards

Ardal Northern League General & Fixture Secretary

Ardal North West League Champions - Flint Mountain

Ardal North East League Champions - Penrhyncoch

Jon Danby

Ieaun Hewit

Andy Brown

Rowan Brooks

Arron Simpson

Chris Chung Li

Lloyd Ellams

Joe Holt

Mike Hayes

Calyn Spencer

Jack Sconce

Tom Ruffer

Rowan Whelan

Corey Smart

Sam Molyneaux

Sam Henry

Dom Mchugh

Ryan Kershaw

Taylor Edwards

Alex Gounds

Jamie King

SQUADS

Guto Hughes

Tomos Owen

James Phillips

Kyle Murphy

Sion Phillips

Jamie Pick

Mitch Jones

Jack Walsh

Kate Roberts

Dylan Summers-Jones

Harri Lewis

Aron Hughes-Jones

Dylan Walton-Pratt

Matty Lewis

Shay Murphy

Kenleigh Owen

Deian Parry

Dean Garmey

Cory Williams

Manager - Aden Shannon

Assistant Manager - Jonny Hill

Coach - Paul Chitty

Coach - Cal Howard

Physio - Cerys Eccleston

Manager - Darren Garmey

Assistant Manager - Mike Kelly

Coach - Dean Garmey

GK Coach - Alex Lynch

Physio - Tony Maguire

Officials - Referee - Aled Rhys Williams (Wrexham) | 1st AR Lewis Greenwood (Broughton) | 2nd AR Jed Machin (Oswestry) 4th Official - Adam Herbert (Wrexham)