CHAMPIONS: Abergele make it back-to-back league titles

Back-to-back titles and in a different class at tier 5 level for a second season running – take a bow Abergele FC.

Last season’s inaugural North Wales Coast East Division One champions repeated that success after a 2-1 victory over Llandudno Amateurs on Saturday.

Gele now hope to be accepted for promotion to the Premier Division next season, having missed out this term due to their Dinorben Field ground not meeting tier 4 criteria.

The champions will look to counter the problem with a tier 4 standard ground share outside the town for next season and then aim to get their own suitable facility in Abergele.

It was a tough task as Abergele faced off against promotion hopefuls Llandudno Amateurs in their final game of the season.  

Aber were first to strike with three minutes played, as Jack Hoult fended off multiple defenders to dispatch a Greg Hilditch throw in.

Shortly after, the hosts were denied a 2-0 lead as the referee mistook Dinorben’s track and field lines for the touchline from yet another Hilditch throw in.

Then disaster struck as home keeper Cain Folly was adjudged to have handled the ball outside of the box and shown a straight red card in the 36th minute.

Abergele held on until half time, but Amateurs’ Gaz Sharp levelled with 20 minutes left to play.

With not long left, a surging solo run from Frankie Hennigan and great link-up play with super-sub Jack Lloyd-Williams led to the Abergele legend Lloyd-Williams firing home from just inside the box.

The home team held on until the final whistle, securing all 3 points and the league title.

A club statement said: “We at Abergele would like to thank our loyal fanbase for such an amazing turnout today. The support and spirit of the fans guided Abergele to a much needed victory and eventual title glory.”

Gele’s final league record is an outstanding 18 wins, three draws and just a single defeat in 22 matches.