North Wales sport’s greatest stories of 2024 – April: Holywell Town lift Cymru North title
Despite their illustrious history Holywell Town won their biggest ever prize in 2024 – the JD Cymru North league title.
Needing just a point entering their final game at home to already relegated Llanidloes Town on April 24, the Wellmen achieved their aim in style with a 4-0 win, Myles Hart, Jake Cooke, Jamie Breese and Julian Williams with the goals.
Twice runners-up in the CN and its predecessor the Cymru Alliance, the Wellmen were also founder members of the national League of Wales in 1992-93 and spent a total of six seasons at that level, achieving a highest placing of fifth.
However, lifting the Tier 2 crown in 2023-24 is the Flintshire club’s most prestigious feat.
Unfortunately, Holywell could not be promoted to the Cymru Premier League as they failed to achieve the mandatory Tier 1 Licence status.
Cymru North runners-up Flint Town United, who had the top-flight licence, went up instead.
It was harsh on Holywell and their outstanding manager Johnny Hasedlin.
So often a key moment in the season swings the balance and Holywell’s signing of Jamie Breese in January 2024 was a pivotal factor in their success.
Breese went on to net 17 goals in 16 appearances. only failing to score in three games.
FINAL STANDINGS – CYMRU NORTH TOP 3 2023-24
In 2022-23, Holywell had finished second in the Cymru North, four points behind champions Colwyn Bay.
Both sides had remarkable campaigns. After losing two of their first three matches, the Wellmen went on to record a stunning 25 league victories in a row – a feat matched by the Bay in the most two of two-horse races.
Last season, Holywell were on the money from the very start. They lost just once in 30 matches throughout the campaign, finishing off with a run of 18 games undefeated, 17 of them wins.
As always, Holywell defending was exemplary. They were the meanest team in the league by far, conceding just 17 goals.
Haseldin has a habit of recruiting great goalkeepers and in the experienced Shaun Pearson he brought in one of the best as replacement for Keighan Jones.