Football

Dave’s Dynamic Dozen – how are they doing so far this season?

Antonio Jacovelli of NFA is the star pupil of the Class of 23-24 so far. Picture: MATT JOHNSON

We selected 12 North Wales football players from across the pyramid to watch at the start of the season.

A month into the 2023-24 campaign, how are they all performing?

It is fair to say, the group have experienced mixed fortunes.

Callum Queen (Holyhead Town)

Callum Queen is off to a flyer with Holyhead Town

A flying start for the 17-year-old with four goals in his last three games.

Holyhead kicked off the campaign really well with three wins before an heroic penalties defeat against Llandudno Junction in the Welsh Cup.

Central to the Harbourmen’s success has been the dazzling talents of Queen, whose goals include a stunning 30-yard free kick in a win over Gaerwen.

Tomos Clarke (Bangor 1876)

Scored in a tremendous 3-2 victory at Holywell Town in the Nathaniel MG Cup on the opening weekend and played a part in wins over Llanidloes Town (6-0), Llandudno (4-2) and Denbigh Town (2-1).

Defensively, has to share responsibility for not such convincing displays in losses to Gresford (0-3) and Prestatyn Town (1-4).

Has the quality and presence to really stand out in the Cymru North.

Tom Weir (Denbigh Town)

Tom Weir (blue) on the ball for Denbigh. Picture: ROY GUNTHER

Has featured in all seven matches for Denbigh so far, but only completed 90 minutes once.

Netted on Cymru North debut in 2-1 defeat at Flint, but his stunning goal at Chirk on August 28 made all the difference.

Has risen from tier 5 to tier 2 this season and looked very impressive at times.

Antonio Jacovelli (NFA)

Definitely the Dynamic Dozen’s biggest success story so far with nine goals in seven games as NFA have produced a 100 percent start to the campaign.

A proven star at tier 4 level in past seasons with Prestatyn Sports, he is now making the news with NFA.

Sam Gregson (Holyhead Hotspur)

Has made a tremendous start to the season – in America!

Signed for Hotspur this term, but will spend the first few months of 2023-24 playing college football with New York side Onondaga.

Sam, one of the heroes of Ynys Môn’s run to the Island Games final in Guernsey this summer, hit four goals on debut for his USA team against Finger Lakes and was named NJCAA Division Three Player of the Week. Play it again Sam!

Calyn Spencer (Flint Mountain)

Calyn Spencer (left)

Definitely not the sort of start to the season we wanted for him.

In just his second game of 2023-24, Calyn sustained a serious injury playing for Flint Mountain in a Welsh Cup tie against Kinmel Bay on August 19.

The game was abandoned and Calyn needed hospital treatment, but he is said to be recovering well.

Hopefully he will go on to make the most of his tremendous talent this season.

Adam Hold (CPD Y Rhyl 1879)

Has begun the season superbly with new club Rhyl 1879, netting in three of his first four matches.

Adam’s attacking style of play has quickly won over the Lilywhites fans and suggests he has a big part to play in what will hopefully be an Ardal North West title bid for 1879 this term.

Morgan Jones (Pwllheli)

Stunning photo from PATRICK CAIN of Morgan in action

No surprise at all to see this quality goalkeeper has helped Pwllheli make an encouraging start to life in tier 3.

Here’s a really positive comment from CPD Pwllheli: “He has done fantastic! Won games for us with saves with his hands and feet.

Also fantastic talking and so commanding from crosses. Does not punch, catches and takes all the pressure off the defence and you can see that on the back three that they can trust him and he is a fantastic addition to the team.”

Osian Jones (Llangefni Town)

Quality performer has shone as brightly as the rest with Llangefni beginning their quest to make a major impact in Ardal North West this season in great style.

Here’s what Cefni captain Gari Owen has to say about Osian’s contribution so far: “He’s settled in really well on and off the pitch. He’s had to adjust to playing various positions and has impressed everyone.

“Also, he’s managed to bag a couple of goals and assists. I’m sure he’ll be looking to add a few more in the coming weeks.”

Kallum Pierce (CPD Gronant)

Last season’s 36-goal hero with Aston Park Rangers has settled very nicely with his new club.

Gronant manager Sandy Malone said: “He scored in his first couple of games, got injured against Rhydymwyn (July 29), but came back last week.

“Kallum’s become a better all round player with so far as a striker the most assists in the league.

“Where he was scoring a hat-trick he is now scoring one and being the creator of three.

“His game has been changed slightly by me but his involvement in every created goal is just as good as the goals he scored. In three games he’s played he’s scored 2 and assisted 6.”

Chris Smyth (Mochdre Sports)

After kicking off the season with a goal, he has struggled with injury, but is not too far off a comeback.

Mochdre captain Kai Davies said: “He played all of pre-season, scored 2 goals for us.

“He then played our first competitive game v Llanfairfechan in Welsh Cup qualifying round one and he scored In a 3-2 win.

“He then got a knee injury which has kept him out of all our league games so far and he is looking to be back in 3 weeks.

“So a slow start, but In the competitive game he played, he started and scored.”

Luis Hughes (Cefn Albion)

Promising young defender yet to make his debut, but it’s a long season and hopefully he will get a chance to shine soon.

davenwsport

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