Latest news with #CymruNorth
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Flintshire bragging rights up for grabs in season opener
Bringing the curtain down on the last campaign was an Essity Stadium clash between Flint Mountain and Holywell Town. Jack Parry and Jamie Breese (pictured) were the respective scorers and the Flintshire rivals will meet again tomorrow, this time at the Bartons North Wales Stadium, to get the new Cymru North season up and running. Holywell, with top-three finishes over the last three seasons, will be confident of repeating the trick. Wellmen boss Johnny Haseldin said: 'We're really looking forward to getting the new season underway this Saturday at home against Flint Mountain. 'They've brought in a number of new players and management team, their narrow cup defeat to Denbigh last week shows they'll be no pushovers and we are preparing for a really tough opening game. 'Our lads have worked hard throughout pre-season and there's a real togetherness in the group again now. 'They've all set individual targets and there's real clarity around our team goals for the season. 'We're ready to give everything for the badge and our supporters. We hope to see a big crowd at Halkyn Road on Saturday, their support means everything to the players and staff, and we can't wait to get going.' It's been all change at Mountain, who now have a new home in Prestatyn. The club has only recently confirmed it's retained players for the season ahead. 'With many changes both on and off the field in the close season, many have moved on to pastures new,' said a club statement. 'We thank all departing players for their service and wish them well for the future.' Dom McHugh has committed to the club for a fourth season and striker Ben Richards is also in the squad. Reserve captain Danny Reid makes the step up from the reserve team to the first team this season, with Kieran Handley another moving up from the second string. Jonny Bravo, who scored for Mountain in last week's 3-1 Welsh League Cup loss to Denbigh Town, has since made the switch to Porthmadog. After suffering relegation last season, Newtown will be looking to make a swift return to the top flight. Their Cymru North campaign begins this evening as they host Ruthin Town.
Leader Live
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
A round-up of football pre-season friendlies action
Calum McIntyre's side are all set for their fourth pre-season contest, which is a match-up versus Cymru Premier League Colwyn Bay. The Seagulls are managed by former Blues' favourite Michael Wilde and they are preparing for their return to the top flight after winning the Cymru North title last season. Chester, who lost out 3-0 to League Two Salford City in their last run-out, have announced the signing of goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin on a season-long loan move from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He follows in the footsteps of former loanees Harry Tyrer, Elyh Harrison and Jimmy Storer as young keepers who looked to develop at the Blues. Benjamin told the club's website: 'The lads were great with me, they all introduced themselves to me straight away so I didn't need to go to them. 'Immediately I felt welcomed in by everyone, and the standard of the boys is absolutely class so it's been a great start.' Connah's Quay Nomads continue their preparations for the forthcoming campaign with tonight's friendly at National League North Macclesfield. Likely to feature is striker Eddie Servuts, who has signed up with John Disney's side. Servuts has featured as a trialist for Nomads during pre-season and he claimed a second half hat-trick in the win over Denbigh Town. The former Southport, Skelmersdale and Nantwich attacker told the club's website: 'I'm thrilled to sign for Connah's Quay - I can't wait to get started, give my all, and have a positive impact on the pitch.' Boss Disney added: 'Eddie has been fantastic since impressing in the trial game he applied for back in June - he is an exciting forward player that is willing to make runs, stretch teams and show his physical attributes as well as getting himself in the box and so far in pre-season scoring goals. 'We hope he can continue this into the season in the league campaign. We are all really looking forward to working with Eddie.' Round two contests in this season's Welsh League Cup have now been finalised. Gresford Athletic, who defeated Brickfield Rangers 3-0 in the first round, will travel to Llandudno, while Buckley Town - who thrashed Holyhead Hotspur 4-0 - host Newtown. Ruthin Town, who pipped Penrhyncoch on penalties, will now welcome Connah's Quay Nomads. Other northern section ties: Caernarfon v Colwyn Bay; Guilsfield v Bala; Flint v Holywell; The New Saints v Airbus; Rhyl 1879 v Denbigh.
Powys County Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Powys football club helps raise £5k for cancer charity
Local communities came out in their hundreds for a charity football match in Guilsfield in support of Sophie Jones last weekend. Sophie of Llansantffraid has been diagnosed with Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer and is determined to raise as much funds as she can for a charity to fund research and treatment for this very rare form of cancer. The day raised around £5,150 for Sophie's chosen charity as hundreds of people descended on the newly named PRS Recruitment Stadium for a match to remember. Villagers also ensured their support with stalls and attractions throughout the day as well as food and drink to ensure spectators kept cool in the summer weather. Sophie wanted to raise awareness as well as valuable funds for the charity. With the support of her fiancee, Iwan Matthews who plays for Guilsfield Football Club in JD Cymru North, the pair set about to organise a football charity day at the PRS Recruitment Stadium Guilsfield with the help of her cousin Paul Richards, who happens to be the manager of the Wales Veteran over 45s. A side of ex-Guilsfield veterans were only too happy to support the event which also saw a coach load of players coming from South Wales to play at the PRS Recruitment Stadium. The match ended in a competitive 3-3 draw with both teams showing their qualities in front of the large crowd who were thoroughly entertained throughout. Alongside the charity match a marvellous BBQ was enjoyed by all, which was manned superbly by the Matthews family. Action from Guilsfield's charity match against Wales Veterans. (Image: Darren Hyland.) Billy Spencer and his band also entertained the crowd and the day ended with a charity auction and raffle. A licensed bar was manned throughout the day by Pete Holding and Phil Evans, who kept the audience refreshed on a lovely afternoon in the Powys village. Young villager Ben Bellamy was also on hand with his popular Brownie stall. Thanks were expressed to all the sponsors for the day, including match sponsors the Plumbline of Welshpool and PRS Recruitment of Meifod, Guilsfield FC helpers and to the many donations received for auction items and raffle prizes.
Leader Live
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Pair of big Flintshire derbies to open Cymru North season
Under the stewardship of boss Mark Allen, the Wingmakers finished as runners-up last time out, just three points adrift of champions Colwyn Bay. Looking to go one step further this time around, Airbus begin their Cymru North season away to ambitious Buckley Town on Saturday, July 26. There are two Flintshire derbies to open the campaign, with Johnny Haseldin's Holywell Town at home to Flint Mountain on the same day. Also on July 26, Gresford Athletic play host to Guilsfield and Mold Alex welcome Penrhyncoch. The league season begins with a quartet of matches scheduled for Friday, July 25. One of these is a battle of last season's Ardal League champions, with East League winners Brickfield Rangers heading to Rhyl 1879, who triumphed in the West League. Ardal League play-off winners Holyhead Hotspur open away to Llandudno, while Denbigh Town play host to Caersws. Ruthin Town, who survived with a dramatic final day victory over Bangor 1876 in April, head to Newtown, who were relegated from the Cymru Premier League. With the expansion of the top flight arriving in the 2026-27 campaign, three clubs will gain promotion from Cymru North.
Leader Live
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Holywell boss Haseldin pays tribute to retiring Andrews
During a brilliant career with the Wellmen, Andrews grabbed 58 goals in 139 appearances, helping the club to win the Cymru North title during the 2023-24 season. Team boss Johnny Haseldin told the club's X site: 'As captain, he led from the front. He played with professionalism, pride, passion and honesty - and he set the tone for everyone around him. 'When big moments came, you could count on him. He didn't hide. He stepped up. 'The standout moment? Seeing him lift the league trophy in 2023/24. That image summed up everything he gave to this club, one that became his own. 'It's not easy saying goodbye to someone who's meant so much. The place will feel different without him, but we part ways with nothing but respect and appreciation. 'Danny has been a top player, a leader and a massive part of our journey.' Holywell will continue their preparations for the new campaign on Saturday when they play host to Llangefni Town in their first pre-season friendly. There's one pre-season friendly scheduled this evening, with Penycae travelling to Ellesmere United. Wales are in competition with North Macedonia in their World Cup qualification efforts - and the link between the countries will continue in European competition next season. In the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, Cymru Premier League winners The New Saints have been paired with North Macedonian champions KF Shkëndija. Shkëndija came up against Welsh opposition during the 2023-24 season when they lost out on penalties versus Haverfordwest County in the Europa Conference League. Craig Harrison's charges will have the home advantage for the first leg at Park Hall on July 8/9, prior to the reverse encounter in 15,000-capacity Ecolog Arena, in Tetovo, a week later.
