Holyhead talent Dale Murphy could be one to watch in the season ahead

Dale Murphy pictured in his teenage years

Happy birthday Dale Murphy – one of five footballing brothers from the town of Holyhead.

Born on April 29, 1995, Holyhead Town player Dale is 26 today.

The youngest of the five Murphy brothers – the others being Nick, Mike, Jordie and Sean – attacker Dale first burst onto the scene in 2011/12 when he scored 32 goals as a 16-year-old for newly-formed Morawelon FC.

In one game he netted EIGHT in a 24-1 annihilation of Cemaes Bay.

The Holyhead-based team won the Anglesey League title at the first attempt, as well as the North Wales Coast Junior Cup, Dale scoring twice as the Holy Islanders beat Talysarn Celts 4-1 in the final at Nantporth, Bangor.

The following campaign Dale banged in 39 goals as Morawelon finished runners-up in the league and retained the BetFred Trophy.

Coleg Menai representative Dale was also part of the Wales Colleges Under-19 squad which defeated England to retain the Anglo-Welsh Shield in 2013.

Dale (back – fourth right, head showing immediately behind player holding cup) celebrates lifting the 2011-12 NWCFA Junior Cup with Morawelon

Having notched 71 goals over two seasons, it was inevitable clubs from a higher level would come knocking at the door, and in 2013-14 Dale climbed up several rungs in class to join Holyhead Hotspur.

In his first season with Spurs, he netted 12 goals for the reserves and three for the 1st XI.

Dale spent the next three seasons at Trearddur Bay United and in 2015-16 helped the team lift the Welsh Alliance Division One title at the first time of asking.

His brother Jordie was also a key man in the midfield. The following season at Bay, Dale added another 12 goals to his collection.

Dale in Holyhead Town colours. Picture supplied by club

Due to studying and work commitments, Dale’s involvement in local football has been less prolific in recent seasons, but he has remained on the books of Holyhead Town and signed up for the Harbourmen again last August.

With more than 100 senior goals chalked up in his career, Dale possesses that bit of genius that can win a game at the drop of a hat.

Known for his great attitude and willingness to learn and improve, he is one of North Wales football’s nice guys – a credit to his family.

Best of luck in the season ahead Dale and happy birthday for today.