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Leader Live
a day ago
- 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.
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.
Leader Live
13-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Airbus keen to go one step better in big Cymru North season
The Wingmakers finished just three points adrift of Colwyn Bay in the chase for the top honour and with an expanded three clubs in line for promotion this time around, another runners-up finish will ensure Airbus make a return to the Cymru Premier League. While a clutch of players have agreed to remain with the club, Airbus have announced the acquisition of Mason Blackwell-Jones. The 23-year-old joins from Bangor 1876, who were dramatically relegated by Ruthin Town in the closing minutes of last season. Blackwell-Jones had spells at Manchester City, Wrexham and Stoke City Academies, before joining Rhyl, where he made his debut in senior football at the age of 17. Since then, he has had spells at Prestatyn Town, Llandudno and Bangor. He told the club's website: 'The attraction comes from the way they play, how professional they are on and off the field. 'At the end of the day, they want to win trophies and be successful and that's the main reason that has brought me here today.' Team boss Allen, who led Airbus to three cups during a successful end to last season, added: 'Mason has been someone we have been tracking for a while, and he will bring attacking flair to us and high energy.' Centre back Sam Ricketts will remain with the Wingmakers for a third season and he said: 'Buzzing to be staying on at Airbus FC next season. Had a great year with the boys and can't wait to kick on again." Also committing themselves for what is sure to be a big season are Oli Lanceley, Tyler McManus, James Davies and Kieran Evans. Lanceley, one of the club's Academy products, said: 'I'm really happy to have signed on again next season. It's a great club that I'm proud to be a part of. 'Our main objective will be to secure promotion to the Welsh Prem and I believe we can make it happen.' McManus is another player to come through the club's hugely successful Academy and he said: 'Extremely happy to have agreed another contract with Skip and the club. I think this will be my 11th season with Airbus now, and I'm just excited to get going. 'Being here for so long has meant Airbus is my second home, and the family I have around the club is too good to leave. 'I will be trying for a much better season on a personal note as I know last season was below my standards in terms of assists especially. 'However, for the team, it's about winning even more than last year, and it's something myself and the team know we can do.' Davies had his best campaign in front of goal last season with 17 goals in all competitions and Evans, set for his third season at the club, said: 'Happy to get another year sorted with Airbus. I didn't have any thoughts of going anywhere else so I'm happy Skip and Chappers both wanted me to stay also. 'I'm looking forward to this season and I think we'll be up there challenging for the league and the cups again as we did last year, just hoping we can go one better and believe we can with the squad we have!' Goalkeeper Keighan Jones will again be taking his place between the sticks when the new season gets underway. Former Holywell number one Jones said: 'It was an easy decision to stay. Airbus is a great club, has great coaching staff and people behind the scenes. 'We had a great season last year, so hopefully we can repeat what we have done and go one better in the league.' Joe Palmer, George Peers and vice-captain Jordan Evans are also remaining on board.
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Ex-Wrexham striker Oswell makes the move to Connah's Quay
The club has announced the signing of former Wrexham, Stockport and Crewe Alex striker Jason Oswell. Oswell, who spent last season in the Cymru Premier League with Newtown, is sure to bring with him a lot of experience. He started his career at EFL club Crewe Alex back in 2011, from where he went on loan spells to the likes of Market Drayton, Nantwich Town and Rhyl. Oswell went on to feature in the Cymru Premier League for Rhyl, Airbus and Newtown, where he netted 50 goals in 94 matches prior to making a move to Stockport county in 2017. He return of 25 goals in 40 appearances for the Edgeley Park club was an excellent one and Oswell would go on to play for Morecambe, Wrexham and AFC Telford, prior to his return to the Cymru Premier League with Newtown in 2023. Reflecting on his move to Nomads, Oswell told the club's website: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for Connah's Quay and to be part of an exciting new chapter at the club. "This is a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself again and contribute to a team with high ambition, pushing for European places. I can't wait to get started and give everything for the badge." Demonstrating the sign of intent, Oswell will don the number nine jersey during the forthcoming campaign. Nomads have also confirmed their retained list following the conclusion of the campaign. Last season's top scorer Rhys Hughes, Max Woodcock, Dan Roberts, Kai Edwards and Declan Poole have all been retained, while Lifumpa Mwandwe, Olly Wright, Cameron Ferguson, Noah Sumner and Aron Williams have been released. Jon Rushton will be joining Quay's matchday staff, while goalkeeper George Ratcliffe departs by mutual agreement due to travel commitments. Another player to leave is Sam Durrant, who already had a pre-agreement which the club was made aware of when originally signing. New contracts have been offered to Ben Nash, Noah Edwards, Callum Bratley, Brad Barnes and Harvey Morris, while contract negotiations are underway with the Jack Kenny, Chris Marriott, Kris Owens, Tyler Berry, Luca Hogan, Dan Flanders and Lucas Gregson. Third year scholars Jayden Tang and Shayan Dehy will continue to train with the first team.
Leader Live
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Flying Airbus grab their second trophy of the campaign
The Wingmakers followed up their Cymru North Cup final triumph over Bangor 1876 to defeat Cymru South Cup winners Trefelin 3-2 and lift the national Cymru Cup. It's a case of job done for Airbus boss Mark Allen, who also has his sights set on another piece of silverware before the hectic closing spell to the season concludes. On Tuesday, the Wingmakers will take on Ardal League Corwen in the semi-finals of the North East Wales FA Challenge Cup. Ahead of Saturday's final, Allen told the Cymru Leagues website: 'Like I've said all season, we set ourselves certain targets at the start of the year and one of them was silverware. 'It's really important for us to finish on a high, we've got the regional one but the national one is significantly better so we're looking forward to the game on Saturday and we want to win.' Trefelin were let off the hook when George Peers prodded over from close range after Tyler McManus' hopeful effort rebounded off the crossbar. But Peers would put Airbus in the lead when he latched on to Danny Warren's chipped pass before drilling the ball past Alex Pennock. Airbus started the second half sharply and Jordan Evans struck a well-placed free-kick through a weak Trefelin wall and into the bottom corner. Lively Trefelin forward Roan Piper threw his side a lifeline, but a close-range finish from Nathan Williams restored Airbus' two-goal cushion. With seven minutes remaining, Trefelin defiantly tested Airbus's nerves after earning a penalty that Callum Saunders thumped into the bottom corner. However, Allen's men held firm to secure part two of what they hope will be a trophy treble. What a day it turned out to be for Ryan Reynolds! The co-chairman was at the Racecourse to see Wrexham secure a third successive promotion, while his namesake made sure Cardiff Met made it through in the Cymru Premier League play-offs. In the third minute of stoppage time, Reynolds grabbed the dramatic goal as Met defeated Bala Town 1-0. It was the Louis Lloyd show as Caernarfon Town recovered from an early deficit to beat Barry Town United. Eliot Richards had Barry in front after eight minutes, however Lloyd grabbed four goals as the Canaries turned things around to record a 5-2 win. Adam Davies netted the other for Caernarfon, as Kayne McLaggon grabbed a late United consolation.
