Ardal Northern Play Off Final

LEAGUE OFFICIALS

Chairperson & FAW Vice President

Will Lloyd Williams

Match Officials Officer

Simon

Media Officer Chris Parry

ARDAL NW LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2021/22 - MOLD ALEXANDRA

2022/23 - DENBIGH TOWN

PLAYOFF WINNERS

2021/22 - PORTHMADOG

2022/23 -

General & Fixture Secretary

Chas Rowland

HONOURS

ARDAL NE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

2021/22 - CHIRK AAA

2022/23 - CAERSWS

ARDAL NORTHERN LEAGUE CUP

2021/22 - CAERSWS

2022/23 - DENBIGH TOWN

Newport

Treasurer

Ken Richardson

Club Representative North East

Wyn Lewis

Club Representative North West

Stuart Lawrence

CLUB HISTO

In April 2019, the then Bangor City FC Supporters’ Association held a meeting at which it decided to become incorporated as a Supporters’ Trust, following the example of a number of other supporters’ groups, including those running Chester FC and Wrexham AFC. With a view to actively engaging with, and involving, the whole community, and working with partners who share its vision for a cohesive, sustainable and inclusive future for competitive football in Bangor, the Association applied to the Financial Conduct Authority to become a Supporters’ Community Mutual widely known by the description Supporters’ Trust or, in our case, a Society.

On 31 May 2019, it was informed that its application had been approved and the new Society started trading immediately. With a view to ensuring the continuity of competitive football of the highest possible standard in the city, and its catchment area, the Society began the process of establishing a new football club.

Society members were invited to propose their names for the new football club and Bangor 1876 was the overwhelming choice of the membership. An application for membership was lodged with the Football Association of Wales and in mid-June Clwb Pêl-Droed Bangor 1876 Football Club was placed into the Gwynedd Football League (Tier 5).

The name Bangor 1876 is an acknowledgement and homage to the origins of organised football in Bangor, which can be traced back to a public meeting held in the Magistrates Room on 18 December 1876. Then, as now, the aim was to ensure the continuity of competitive football of the highest possible standard in the city and its catchment area.

Back in 1876, blue and red were adopted as the official club colours with subscriptions fixed at five shillings. Suitable accommodation was found when a field adjoining the old Friars School, subsequently known as Maes-y-Dref, was hired from a gentleman by the name of Thomas Williams.

Bangor 1876 also decided that the City of Bangor coat of arms be adopted as the official club crest. The choice of crest reflects the club’s commitment to serve the local community, and preserve its proud footballing heritage, whilst engaging with supporters from Bangor, the surrounding area, and further afield. The adoption of a blue and red colour scheme for the playing kit, with the home strip consisting of royal blue shirts with red trim, white shorts, and blue socks with red tops, has historical connotations. The change strip is all red with blue trim.

Thanks to the partnership forged with Bangor University, The team currently plays its home matches on a 3G surface in the picturesque setting of the University’s Treborth Playing Fields, straddled between Thomas Telford’s Menai Suspension Bridge and Robert Stephenson’s Britannia Bridge, on the banks of the Menai Strait.

During its first season the Club boasted a 100% record, winning the last-ever Gwynedd League championship. Despite the season being curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team scored 115 goals conceding only nine.

In the 2021-22 season, the Club played in the Premier Division of the North Wales Coast League (West). The Club once more set a number of goal scoring records scoring 139 and conceding 19 in the League, finishing runners-up, and winning the League Cup.

At the end of the 2021-2 season, the Football Association of Wales' National League Board chose the Club to fill a vacancy at tier 3 level in the Welsh Football Pyramid, consequently, in season 2022-23 the Club now plays in the Lock Stock Ardal League Northwest under its Player-Manager, Michael Johnston.

CLUB HISTORY

Cefn Albion, a voluntary amateur football club located in Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, has made remarkable strides in its relatively brief existence. Established in 2014 following the collapse of FC Cefn, the club's primary objective was to create a local team that would instill pride within the community and offer young players an opportunity to compete at a respectable level. They embarked on their journey in the North East Wales League, making an impressive debut by clinching four out of five possible trophies, including the 2014/15 league title. Their exceptional form saw them secure victory in 35 out of 37 games, accumulating a staggering 237 goals.

The subsequent season saw Cefn Albion promoted to the Welsh National League (WNL) Wrexham Area Division One. Despite narrowly missing out on the league cup, they achieved back-to-back titles and earned promotion to the WNL (Wrexham Area) Premier Division in the following season. In the league, Albion recorded an impressive 19 wins from 24 games, amassing a total of 117 goals.

In the 2016/17 season, Cefn Albion joined the ranks of the WNL (Wrexham Area) Premier Division, positioning themselves just two divisions below the pinnacle of Welsh football. Despite the departure of key players, the club persevered, focusing on survival and nurturing local talent. They achieved a respectable 9th-place finish, securing their goal of survival. The highlight of the season came when they lifted the League Cup in front of over 500 spectators on Friday, May 12th, 2017 at the Rock (Cefn Druids) in Cefn Mawr. Additionally, the club established a reserve team during this season, facilitating a seamless transition for young local players from youth to adult football.

In the 2017/18 season, Cefn Albion announced an official working partnership with their Welsh Premier League neighbours, Cefn Druids. As part of this collaboration, the club made the decision to relocate their first team from the renowned Muga pitch and utilise the 3G facility owned by Cefn Druids for their home games. This partnership marked a significant change for Cefn Albion, allowing them to benefit from the improved facilities.

The most remarkable and defining moment in Cefn Albion's history occurred during the 2018/19 season. On April 13th, they achieved a momentous victory in the prestigious FAW Trophy cup final, delivering an outstanding performance with a convincing 4-0 win against Pontardawe Town at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth. This monumental feat stands as Cefn Albion's crowning glory, representing their most significant accomplishment to date. On Friday, May 17th, 2019, Cefn Albion joyously celebrated a remarkable cup double by defeating Mold Alex in the League Cup with an impressive 5-1 victory at the Rock. This outstanding achievement served as a fitting culmination to their brilliant season, solidifying their success and leaving a lasting mark in the club's history.

During the 2019/20 season, Cefn Albion, like all other clubs, faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was eventually curtailed, and despite their strong performance throughout, Cefn Albion narrowly missed out on the WNL (Wrexham Area) Premier Division championship, with Holywell Town clinching the title through the points-per-game method. The difficulties imposed by the pandemic made the season exceptionally tough for Cefn Albion and their competitors.

In the 2020/21 season, Stewart Roberts assumed the role of chair at Cefn Albion, leading the club's ongoing progress. They obtained a Tier 3 licence and became one of the founding members of the restructured Ardal Northern East division in the Welsh league system. Overcoming the exceptionally difficult challenge of being forced to relocate from the Rock in Cefn Mawr, the club displayed incredible resilience. Their home games were played at Brickfield Rangers' Clywedog Park, located seven miles away. Despite this adversity, Cefn Albion showcased their determination by finishing an impressive 3rd in the league standings, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.

Subsequently, to continue representing at Tier 3, Cefn Albion made Clywedog Park their new home ground for the 2022/23 season, following their forced departure from the Rock. The club achieved a commendable second-place finish, earning them a playoff match against Bangor 1876 for promotion to Tier 2. In May 2023, Cefn Albion proudly announced their achievement of being awarded a coveted Tier 2 licence, signifying yet another significant milestone in their remarkable journey. Throughout their history, Cefn Albion has continuously strived for success, establishing themselves as a prominent and respected club in the Welsh football scene. Their commitment to fostering community pride, nurturing local talent, raising money for charities and overcoming challenges has allowed them to consistently progress and achieve notable accomplishments.

Final League Table

WITH THE GAFFER -

MICHAEL JOHNSTON BANGOR 1876

The Bangor 1876 manager spoke with Media Officer, Chris Parry and gives his insight ahead of todays Play Off final...

You'vehadafantasticfirstseasonintheArdalNorthern LeaguesandyouwereinvolvedintheArdalNorthWesttitle racerightupuntilthelastgameoftheseason.Didyou expectsuchacloselyfoughttitlerace?

I did. Strangely, I don’t think a lot of people involved with the club (outside of the playing and coaching staff) expected us to do as well as we have. A lot of people were hopeful to stabilise in the league and kick on next season and outsiders expecting us to plateau and saw this as as high as we would go. I am an ambitious person as too are my players. They were determined to do well this season. I knew other teams would be strong, not just Denbeigh and Rhyl but the teams which have held their own at this level for numerous years. We had lads in our squad who were playing at the highest level they ever had and to be fair, they stood up to the challenge. We let ourselves down in certain areas of the season and we know that but it was still extremely pleasing to finish top of the league and the end of our season. Denbigh have been great all season and no one can deny they deserve to win it but small moments in the season you look back on and think ‘what if’. But, we have another chance now and don’t want to be left thinking the same thing on Saturday.

CorrigMcGoniglehasscoredanincredible37leaguegoals thisseason.Iknowit'sdifficulttosingleoutoneplayerafter suchastrongcampaignbuthowkeyhavehisgoalsbeenfor you?Itmustgivetherestofthesquadsomuchconfidence knowingtheyhaveaplayerupfrontthatcanbethe difference?

Corrig is unbelievable and his record speaks for itself. There has been times in the season where he has earned us points out of nowhere. People say all he does is score goals and yes, he does but he does a lot more than that if you watch him week in week out. His work rate for the team is immense, his awareness of other people is second to none and the unselfish runs he makes to create space for others is priceless. Most importantly, he is fantastic off the pitch too. If social media wasn’t out there and his goals/records weren’t there for everyone to see, you wouldn’t know. He is really humble and just wants the team to do well not individual accolades. Although, I think it’s fair to say, he will clean up at the presentation night in June but he does deserve it. He has had big offers from teams in tier 3,2 and Welsh prem this year but he knows we have a project here and he wants to see that through.

Thereseemstobesomeuncertaintysurroundingwherethe clubwillbeplayingtheirhomegamesnextseason.Havethe eventsoffthepitchthisweekaffectedyourpreparations fortodaysPlayOffFinal?

Not really, I knew about this after the last game of the season which was followed up by a supporters meeting which I attended. Obviously, it’s clear to see what the issues are but I have seen first hand and been reassured that we have a plan A, B and C to help the club strive forward. My hat goes off to everyone who works behind the scenes to make these things happen and ensure that we can be successful on the pitch. All I do is pick a team and give them instructions, without the volunteers behind us, I couldn’t even do that. So, listening to their plans, I am behind them 100%.

PlayOfffinalsareagreatwaytogainpromotionifyouwin! Buttheycanalsobesocruelifyoudon'twinandfallatthe finalhurdle.Asmanager,howdoyouapproachthistypeof fixture?

Correct, it is a one off game which could go one way or the other. Obviously the players know that there is pressure on this game but they are used to that. Many teams with always raisetheir game against us due to the stature of the club. This being said,we need to be really focused on Saturday as I have seen Cefn a couple of times this season and they are a force. They have a great balance between youth and experience and I know a couple of their players. They, themselves, have wind in their sails trying to get football back in their village too and hopefully they do very soon. Ihave played against them during my time at Brickfield and they were always together, strong and play with high intensity- something we will have to deal with and overcome on Saturday. Hopefully it will beagreat occasion. We trained Tuesday and the lads were in good spirit.

TheBangorsupportersaresynonymousforbeing passionateandloyal.Whatwoulditmeanforyouandyour playerstorewardthatloyaltyandpassionwithpromotion totheCymruNorthtoday?

Yes they are. I don’t think people realise that I have spent over 10 years in the city now and it is one which I hold close tomy heart. The fans are excellent and have been extremely supportiveof the lads and myself. I know I have made mistakes with selection etc this season but they are always there to support and give us the best possible chance and I hope we can repay that faith today. I don’t think even the most optimistic fans will have said we would be where we are 3 seasons after forming. They have risen the club from the ground and hopefully today can be a small thank you to them. Whatever today’s outcome is, I would just like to say a huge thank you to them all a hope they can be the 12th man to push us over the line today.

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDS -

BANGOR 1876

1876 supporters, Huw Pritchard and Jonathan Ervine reflect on their season ahead of todays final...

Firstly, how long have you been a supporter of Bangor?

HUW: I've been a supporter of Bangor since I was 8 years old when my mam took me to my first game at Farrar road. And I've been a supporter of Bangor 1876 since the club was formed in 2019

JONATHAN: I moved to Bangor in August 2007 and have been following Bangor since then, and have been following Bangor 1876 since our creation in 2019. Football's been an important part of the history of Bangor and it's great that 1876 are helping to keep that going.

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

HUW: There have been many great moments this season. But if I was to choose one it would be beating Rhyl at home when we scored the winner in the last few minutes which made it 10 times better. The whole day of the Rhyl game at home was special.

JONATHAN: Our 3-2 win away to Flint Mountain on 31 March is one that really stands out due to the way the players showed real determination to come back form 2-0 down to earn a dramatic victory with two late goals.

. What has been the most disappointing moment of your season?

HUW: Losing to Llangefni at home. That loss cost us the league.

JONATHAN: I suppose you could maybe pick one of the games in the league where we dropped points and left feeling we could have got a bit more out of the game. However, they're balanced out by quite a few games where we kept going and scored crucial late goals - like at Flint Mountain - to earn some really valuable points.

Which player or players should Cefn Albion be wary of today?

HUW: I think Cefn Albion should be wary of every Bangor player as they are all brilliant players and have performed very well this season. They should be wary of Shaun Lock's throw-ins though, as they are like a free kick.

JONATHAN: That'd be telling! More seriously, I think both teams are here today because they've got a number of people in their squads who can make a difference on the big occasion.

Who's your favourite player and why?

HUW: It's hard to choose one player as my favourite because I love them all haha. Shaun Lock is one of my best mates so I'll go with Shaun as my favourite player because he loves playing for the club and for the fans and understands what it means to play for Bangor as do all the other lads.

JONATHAN: I don't really have one particular player that I'd say is my favourite. There are so many that have shown a real will to win, talent, and really embraced what we're about as a club.

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDSBANGOR 1876

1876 supporters, Huw Pritchard and Jonathan Ervine reflect on their season ahead of todays final...

Who's been your player of the season?

HUW: It's a tough one but I'm going to pick Dylan Williams. Although he's not at every game due to other commitments when he does play he controls the game and has been unreal towards the end of the season and has helped us get 2nd place in the table.

JONATHAN: It's impossible not to to mention Corrig McGonigle due to the goals he's scored, we've also seen key contributions from many others. Liam Morris has been a great addition this season and Tom Clarke has been a key figure in defence. What are your thoughts on your season overall?

HUW: Overall the season has been fantastic. Many of us fans were predicting a mid table finish this season so to finish 2nd is brilliant. Also off the field It's been fantastic for us fans as we've had big attendances and had brilliant away following also. It's been a really enjoyable season and one of the best for me since Bangor left Farrar Road.

JONATHAN: Given that Covid-19 means that we're now coming to the end of only our second full season, I think where we've finished in the league is a real credit to the players, coaches, and so many people who work behind the scenes. What are your expectations for Bangor 1876 next season?

HUW: All depends on what happens today. If we win then my expectations is to play at Nantporth Stadium and to compete in tier 2 as best we can. If we lose then I expect to win tier 3. But no matter what happens the Blue army will enjoy the journey.

JONATHAN: I'm not sure that I want to tempt fate by looking too far ahead as we approach such a crucial game. I hope we continue to grow as a club on and off the pitch and give the people of Bangor something to be proud of and feel part of.

Interview questions by Chris Parry [Media Officer] Photos [Alun Roberts AJAR Photographics & Bangor 1876]

WITH THE GAFFERIAN ANDREWS CEFN ALBION

Cefn Albion manager, Ian Andrews caught up with Ardal Northern Media Officer, Chris Parry to reflect on what what has been a positive season for the Cefners

Finishing 2nd in the Ardal North East is no easy task and in doing so, you've already bettered last seasons league position. Would you have taken that if it was offered to you at the start of the season?

Our main aim at the start of the season was to finish top 2 and get a chance to win promotion. After a good start we were looking to have a serious challenge for the league, we had a bit of a blip and dropped vital points to keep that challenge going.

I've got to give credit to Caersws though as they went on a great run of something like 11 wins on the bounce, and that put them in a great position. They continued to get results and were worthy champions in the end.

We then qualified in 2nd place and now have a one off game to get promotion.

Cefn Albion is well known for being a fantastic community club and has been the focal point in the village of Cefn Mawr in recent years due to the success of the club. Has it been difficult this season, playing your home matches at Brickfield, away from your community?

Playing at Brickfield has been difficult at times, as it feels like playing away every week, but I've got to give credit to the players who have just got on with the job and performed week in week out.

The club and committee are working tirelessly behind the scenes to get the club back playing in Cefn, and fingers crossed it won't be too long.

Play Off finals are a great way to gain promotion, if you win! But, they can also be so cruel if you don't win and fall at the final hurdle. As manager, how do you approach this type of fixture?

We are looking forward to the play off final after a long season, we have kept things the same, trained on Saturday and in the week to go over final preparations for the game. The squad is at full strength and the lads and coaches know this is the biggest game Cefn have had for a while and the reward is promotion to tier 2. We will do our best to relax the players and get them ready come Sat.

You could become the first Ardal North East club to be promoted to the Cymru North via the Play Off. Do you feel there is more pressure on Bangor 1876 to gain promotion or on Cefn Albion, given how close you've come in past two seasons?

Bangor are a great side and have been a very successful side over the years, some people might see us as underdogs and that might suit us. But this group of players will be ready for the final and we know if we play to our best then we will have a great chance of winning the game.

Let's hope it's a good game of football and come 3pm on Saturday, let's hope the village of Cefn will be celebrating and proud of the players.

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDSCEFN ALBION

Lowri Arthur,dedicated Cefn Albion supporter shared her views ahead of todays final...

Firstly, how long have you been a supporter of Cefn Albion?

I have been a dedicated supporter of Cefn Albion since the club was formed in 2014, immersing myself in its journey and following most games home and away. I've really enjoyed watching the team and in particular, my son Dion Gibbins who was playing regularly as soon as he turned 16.

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

A standout moment was the important late win over local neighbours Rhos Aelwyd in the league clash at Ponciau Banks in February.

As we strived to keep up the pressure on the league leaders it was a tense encounter but in the dying moments of the match, Alex Williams delivered a goal that secured us three crucial points and, more importantly, local bragging rights. The scenes at the end were brilliant!

What has been the most disappointing moment of your season?

Regrettably, our 3-0 defeat away to tier 5 Caergybi in the first round of the FAW Trophy was a disheartening setback. After the successes of 2019, we had high hopes for another memorable Trophy Cup run, but credit must be given to Caergybi for their performance on the day, they deserved to win the game.

Which player or players should Bangor 1876 be wary of today?

Singling out a specific player would be unjust, as our entire squad has played their part this season. We boast a wealth of exceptional talent, comprising individuals who possess the ability to single-handedly unsettle opposition teams. If the team turns up then Bangor 1876 will be in for a very tough match

Who's your favourite player and why?

Obviously aside from my Son Dion, my favourite player is Josh Sumner. Since joining the club last season, he seamlessly integrated into the squad, forging strong bonds with his teammates.

On the pitch, his unwavering commitment and relentless work ethic shine through, always giving his utmost with a wholehearted performance. Furthermore, Josh is a genuine individual who is well-liked by the entire squad, enhancing team dynamics.

THE VIEW FROM THE STANDSCEFN ALBION

Lowri Arthur,dedicated Cefn Albion supporter shared her views ahead of todays final...

Who's been your player of the season?

There have been some exceptional performances from our players throughout the season, it is challenging to single out just one individual as the player of the season. However, I would say Josh Sumner based on my previous answer.

What are your thoughts on your season overall?

Reflecting on the season, it has been a mix of emotions. Since we have enjoyed successful cup runs in recent years our early exits in cup competitions were undoubtedly disappointing this season.

I also think that with the squad we have we could have mounted a stronger challenge in the league and been closer to Caersws, unfortunately, a challenging autumn period resulted in too many dropped points.

However, we displayed tremendous resilience and finished the season strongly, which qualifies us for the playoff and potential promotion to Tier 2

What are your expectations for Cefn Albion next season?

The ultimate aspiration is for Cefn Albion to compete at the highest possible level, and a victory against Bangor 1876 would be a significant step towards fulfilling that ambition.

The majority of the current squad consists of local players, so hopefully we can retain their services but bolstering the squad is also important to ensure that we can compete in whichever league we find ourselves in next season.

Additionally, I would love to see the club continuing to work towards coming back to play our home games in familiar surroundings, Cefn Mawr!

Interview questions by Chris Parry [Media Officer] Photos [Paul Griffiths Cefn Albion]

CHAS ROWLAND LEAGUE SECRETARY

Unbelievable to think this is the last game of only the second playing season of the Lock Stock Ardal Northern leagues.

Today is the climax of a long season with the reward for the winner a place in the Cymru North. The Lock Stock Ardal Northwest went down to the wire as Denbigh Town won their last game of the season to beat Bangor 1876 to the championship. In the Ardal Northeast Cefn Albion earned their right to be in today’s playoff game as they kept Bow Street at bay to clinch the runner up spot behind Champions Caersws.

Both sides have had good seasons losing only seven games between them, Bangor three and Cefn Albion four, Goal difference are also close with Bangor on forty-eight and Cefn Albion of fifty-two. this bodes well for an exciting playoff game.

Last season Porthmadog won the playoff game five nil, I would imagine today’s game will be a lot closer.

Good luck to both teams in what should be a great climax to the Lock Stock Ardal Northern season.

May the best team win a good sporting game.

Chas

ArdalNorthernLeague General&FixtureSecretary

ArdalNorthWestLeagueChampions-DenbighTown

ArdalNorthEastLeagueChampions-Caersws

Huw Shaw

Carl Jones

Aaron Heald

Kian Owen

Shaun Lock

Caio Hywel

Joe Culshaw

Corey Jones

Tom Clarke

Harry Galeotti

Dylan Williams

Les Davies

Corrig McGonigle

Gethin Thomas

Cameron Barry

Luke Steele

Sion Edwards

Michael Johnston

Jamie Petrie

Liam Morris

Ben Owen

Adam Pritchard

SQUADS

Josh Roberts

Torne Samuels

Nic Jones

Nathan Williams

Tyler Wilkinson

Jordan Williams

Ryan Kershaw

Josh Sumner

Dion Gibbins

Kien Morris

Luke Griffin

Alex Williams

Jordan Johnson

Ryan Kehoe

Callum Mannion

Chris Budrys

Jamie Foulkes

Curt Griffiths

Manager - Michael Johnston

Assistant Manager - Gareth Williams

Coach - Aled Hughes

Physio - Rhys Last

Physio - Truly Owen

Club Doctor - Simon Lesson

Manager - Ian Andrews

Coach - Richard Cooke-Williams

Coach - Sean Jones

Physio - Paul Conlan

Officials - Referee - Aaron Wyn Jones | 1st AR Connor Fowler | 2nd AR Richard Dolphin | 4th Official - Andy Harms