Town set sights on more progression as they open against Amlwch
AFTER back-to-back promotions, Holyhead Town embark on the next stage of their quest to reach the higher echelons of Welsh football when they begin life in Division Two of the Welsh Alliance League this weekend.
Last season’s Gwynedd League champions, who have lifted five trophies in two campaigns since reintroducing the club’s proud name to the North Wales soccer scene in 2016, host Amlwch Town in their 2018-19 opener this Saturday at Millbank (2.30pm).
It should be a good test for Craig Brodie’s men against a team which was fighting for i life just weeks ago due to lack of players, but has managed to remedy the situation.
Holyhead have had an encouraging pre-season overall, with good wins over Bodedern Athletic (4-3) and Caergybi (5-1), as well as a pleasing draw against Llangefni Town (1-1).
However, last Saturday proved a bridge too far for the Harbourmen as they went down 5-0 at Welsh Premier League newcomers Caernarfon Town. Nonetheless, it was a good learning curve for the Welsh Alliance new boys.
Another team with successive promotions on their CV are Bodedern Athletic. Ricky Williams’s side were Gwynedd League champions in 2016-17, then last term finished runners-up in Welsh Alliance Division Two.
Boded have made some good signings, Jack Griffiths, James McMinimee and James Burgess among those coming on board to join last season’s Division Two Player of the Season, 38-goal star Steven Whittaker. Athletic start their Division One campaign at St Asaph City.
Back to Division Two, where there is a very strong Anglesey presence with Aberffraw, Gaerwen, Pentraeth and Llannerchymedd joining Holyhead and Amlwch.
Aberffraw could have the toughest task on their hands on Saturday when they host a Glan Conwy side expected to push hard for the title.
After running Conwy Borough close for the Division One crown last term, Llangefni Town are a team to watch again.
They kick-off with a potentially tricky assignment at Llanberis, who finished fourth in 2017-18 against the odds. With added firepower to the Cefni ranks in the shape of Alan Mark Owen and Liam Morris, they are a force to be feared.
Following their late relegation reprieve, Pwllheli will be determined to make the most of their good fortune at staying in Division One and Mynydd Llandegai could be in for a difficult mission at the Rec on Saturday.