Tier 3 clubs asked opinions on what format season should take (if it ever starts)

Tier 3 football clubs in North Wales have been asked their opinions on how they would like to complete the 2020-21 season.

The Ardal Northern, which comprises 16 teams in both its North East and North West divisions, is part of the new Welsh football pyramid, replacing the former Welsh National League Premier Division and Welsh Alliance League.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, no matches have yet been played in Ardal North East or North West this season.

League chiefs have now asked clubs how they would like the remainder of the campaign to progress – if competitive games are eventually played.

In an e-mail to clubs, the league writes: “We are still hoping to play some competitive games before the deadline of May 31.

“It would, I am sure you would all agree, be impossible to have a full league programme (by May 31).

“With this in mind, we seek your opinion on two options.”

The options are:

Option One – League Games

Play each other once with promotion and relegation. All clubs would play 15 games (some 8 at home, some 7)

Option Two – League Cup (No league games, no promotion or relegation)

Split each league into two groups. The winners of the four groups would progress to the semi-finals.

Clubs would play 14 games (7 home and 7 away)

The Ardal Northern is requesting replies from clubs as soon as possible, adding other options may be put forward in the future.

News emerged this week that the FAW has applied to Sport Wales for a new ‘Elite’ status to be considered in relation to bringing domestic football back.

The governing body has asked for the Tier 2 Cymru North and Cymru South to begin their seasons on the same ‘Elite’ basis as the current Tier 1 Cymru Premier and Women’s Welsh Premier Women’s League, the only levels of football operating so far this term.

And it is believed Tier 3 is also part of the application, although this is just rumour and may take longer to implement.

If Tier 2 (and T3) were successful, it would likely carry a different classification to Elite.

Line-ups 2020-21

TIER 3 – ARDAL NORTHERN

Ardal North East (16 teams)

Berriew
Bow Street
Caersws
Carno
Cefn Albion
Chirk AAA
Corwen
Four Crosses
Kerry
Llanfair United
Machynlleth
Montgomery Town
Penparcau
Penycae
Rhos Aelwyd
Welshpool Town

Ardal North West (16 teams)

Blaenau Amateurs
Brickfield Rangers
Brymbo
Denbigh Town
Llandudno Albion
Llanrwst United
Llanuwchllyn
Llay Welfare
Mold Alexandra
Nantlle Vale
Porthmadog
Rhostyllen
Rhydymwyn
Saltney Town
St Asaph City
Y Felinheli