Games to please across the leagues……
Each weekend Grassroots North Wales will choose a top game from every league to preview…..
JD Cymru Premier
Airbus UK Broughton v Bala Town (Friday, 7.45 pm)
Airbus mark their return to the top flight with a tough home clash against well-established Cymru Premier side Bala.
Last season’s runaway Cymru Alliance champions have added plenty of quality this summer, George Hughes, Jake Phillips, Alex Darlington, Andy Owens and Jordan Evans among new arrivals.
By their high standards, Bala had a disappointing 2018-19, finishing sixth in the table.
Manager Colin Caton has signed highly-rated striker Louis Robles and midfield dynamo Lassana Mendes in recent weeks, adding to earlier captures Jonny Spittle, Lee Molyneux and Steven Leslie.
Good first-up test for the Wingmakers in a game likely to be decided by the odd goal. I would lean in Bala’s favour.
JD Cymru North
Porthmadog v Conwy Borough (Saturday, 2.30 pm)
A tantalising tussle is on the cards at Y Traeth between two sides capable of producing plenty of goals.
Port delivered themselves the perfect boost by re-signing midfield ace Jay Gibbs on the eve of their league campaign.
One of the stars of Ynys Mon’s Inter-Island Games summer success, Gibbs is back at Port for a third spell. Other new faces such as Rhys Alun Williams, Mel McGinness and John Littlemore give the hosts plenty in attack.
Conwy have also recruited smartly over the summer, bringing in Ynys Mon heroes Liam Morris and Dafydd Jones, as well as Harry Galeotti, Huw Shaw, Craig Whelan and the experienced Moses Barnett. And they have goal machine Corrig McGonigle in their ranks.
This one could go either way, with 3-2 a decent forecast, perhaps in Port’s favour with them being the home team.
Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One
Glan Conwy v Bodedern Athletic (Saturday, 2.30 pm)
Corker in store between two teams who were battling for the top honours in Division Two not so long ago.
Boded punched well above their weight to finish runners-up in Division One last season and despite losing their opener 3-1 at Greenfield, bounced back in midweek with a 2-0 home success against Llanberis.
New striker Dean Redmond has started really well for Ricky Williams’ side, as has another promising recruit, Callum Thomas.
Glan were beaten 2-1 at Llanberis last Saturday, but like Boded experienced better fortunes in the week with a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Prestatyn Sports.
Conor Davies, Darren Landers and Jordan Phillips will be danger men for the Conwy Valley outfit if selected.
This one could end up a draw, I’d say two-apiece.
Guy Walmsley Welsh National League Premier Division
Brymbo v Cefn Albion (Saturday, 2.30 pm)
Should be a cracking game at The Crick between two passing sides.
Brymbo are the early Premier leaders with two straight wins, while Albion were victorious in their only completed match so far, recording a 3-2 success against Penycae in midweek.
The Steelmen have a number of injury concerns with Declan Morgan, Jacques Stuart, Jack Ford, Jordan Deer, Lewy Clarke, Jamie Cumming and Ben Kearney all missing, but having a big squad should ensure they give Albion a big battle.
Those absentees are a worry for Brymbo and there are few better sides than Cefn to capitalise, but I go for a 1-1 draw.
Salisbury and Co (St Asaph) Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division
Llanelwy Athletic v Llansannan (Saturday, 2.30 pm)
Fascinating one this. Llanelwy conquered all before them in Division One last term, but in Llansannan they take on one of the pre-season favourites for the Premier title.
Can the St Asaph team be as effective in the top division as they were in 2018-19? We’ll soon find out, but with their fine summer form behind them , I go for Llansannan 2-1 or 3-1.
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd League
Trearddur Bay Bulls v Menai Bridge Tigers (Saturday, 2.30 pm)
What a belter this could be.
Newly-promoted Bulls have played two, won two, scored 13 and conceded just one, but champions the Bridge have kicked off the campaign with a pair of wins themselves, netting nine and letting in just a single goal.
The Bulls look to have a really strong squad with plenty of potential for goals, but Menai look pretty handy themselves, despite losing a number of last season’s title-winning squad.
Justin Williams – five goals in two starts – will be one to watch for Bulls, whereas Tigers have numerous players capable of finding the net. Jordan Pritchard could be a particular danger man.
Another close one, and I’m sticking my neck out and tipping the Tigers just to edge it.
Top Mark Uniforms North East Wales League
Borras Park Albion v Mold Town United (Saturday, 2.30 pm)
Borras began the season with a nice 4-1 win over Bradley Park. while Mold had to settle for a 5-5 home draw against Brymbo Victoria.
Could be lots of goals in this one, but I’m favouring Mold to take the spoils.
Lucas Oil Anglesey League
Arriva Bangor v Mountain Rangers (Friday, 7 pm)
Both sides were 8-0 winners on the opening weekend, Rangers following up with a 3-1 victory at Llanfairpwll on Wednesday.
This could end up one hell of a contest with goals galore.
Arriva have Scott Hughes and Andy Clarke in their ranks – that says everything about them.
But Rangers are free-scorers too….this one is very hard to call.
I’m going for a 4-3, with Arriva making the most of home advantage – just.
FAW Trophy round one
Bangor 1876 v Sychdyn (Saturday, 2.30 pm)
Quite an occasion is expected at Treborth as newly-formed 1876 welcome North East Wales League newcomers Sychdyn.
With the strength of squad at their disposal, 1876 should rank as favourites against any opposition they face at this level.
Sychdyn are a very capable side, however, and will be out to make a name for themselves, having started the campaign with a fine 6-4 win against Acton last weekend.
The home team should win this one, but the Mold-area villagers will prove far from a walkover. 1876 to win 4-2.