Dynamic Dozen – The Males: How are they performing?
@APhotoserv
Grassroots North Wales picked 12 male and 12 female players to watch in 2022-23 at the start of the season.
Here are the latest checks on their progress.
THE MALES
Connor Owen (Gwalchmai)
Still just one short of the 30 goals for the season, but this 18-year-old is proving to be a fantastic asset to Anglesey football..
Earlier in the campaign, Connor bagged three hat-tricks in a row in games against Mynydd Llandegai, Amlwch Town and Penrhyndeudraeth.
His record of 29 goals in 27 matches is magnificent.
Jack Hoult (Abergele)
Became a double winner at the weekend when scoring twice in Abergele’s 5-3 victory over Y Glannau in the REM Jones Cup Final.
Since rejoining Gele in October, this talented attacking player has amassed 23 goals in 18 games across all competitions, helping his team secure back to back North East Wales Division One titles.
Rhys Edwards (Chirk AAA)
This 18-year-old striker has been a superb acquisition for Chirk since joining on loan from TNS last August.
Has scored 19 club goals – plus one he was robbed of – and played as big a role as anyone in the Colliers remaining in the Cymru North.
Kaine Bentley (Trearddur Bay)
While Asa Thomas with his 70 goals and Mel McGinness (25) have dominated much of the Bay’s scoring feats, young talent Kaine has more than played his part too, finding the net 16 times.
Has improved as the season has gone on and helped guide Trearddur to the North Wales Coast West Division One title.
Bret Durkan (Rhos United)
In his comeback season after four years out with a serious injury, Bret has scored six times in 20 appearances.
The forward and former manager has played really well for a Rhos side which has shown a lot of promise in a very competitive North Wales Coast East Division One.
Tom Bibby (Holywell Town)
Joined the Wellmen on loan from Connah’s Quay Nomads last season and the deal became permanent at the start of 2022-23.
Has made 37 first-team appearances for the Wellmen, helping them finish Cymru North runners-up and reach the Welsh Cup quarter-finals.
Great midfield operator who has really established himself in a top-class team.
Kian Owen (Bangor 1876)
Consistent defender who has played 32 times this season for a Bangor 1876 side he signed for from Conwy Borough at the start of 2022/23.
Young left-back with good pace and a great delivery, he has helped guide the fan-owned club to top spot in tier 3 Ardal North West.
Liam Davies (FC Queen’s Park)
Crucial goal-scorer in Queen’s Park’s excellent season, netting 17 times so far.
His goals have been particularly important in cup competitions.
With the Mike Beach Memorial Trophy already in the bag, the Park are also into the Horace Wynne Cup Final and sit top of the North East Wales Premier.
Benn Lundstram (Bethesda Athletic)
With 16 goals in 21 matches, Benn has been as vital as anyone in Bethesda’s march to the North Wales Coast West Premier Division title.
Landed at Bethesda last August and scored on his debut in a 4-0 triumph at Mynydd Llandegai, going on to net six times in his opening three appearances.
One young diamond in a squad packed with them.
Kane Roberts (Mynydd Llandegai)
In great form of late, scoring the winner against Talysarn Celts in midweek.
This highly-rated attacking midfielder has netted 10 times so far for a team which has had an up-and-down campaign.
Guto Hughes (CPD Y Felinheli)
At the age of just 20, Guto remains a fine prospect with many good years ahead of him.
Has featured in 33 matches for Felinheli this season and while the team has struggled in tier 3 Ardal North West, Guto’s performances have been of a very high standard.
Kieran Ellis (CPD Y Rhyl 1879)
Has missed quite a few games through injury, but still managed a commendable 15 goals in 24 appearances for the Lilywhites, notching their last net-finder of the season against Nantlle Vale
One of the very best around at tier 3 level, Kieran’s overall record for 1879 is magnificent – 40 goals in 40 matches across all competitions since he joined in November 2021.