Penblwydd hapus: Birthday wishes to a very special young player

Connor Owen (10) scores another spectacular goal for Gwalchmai. Picture: DAI SINCLAIR

One of Anglesey’s finest young football talents celebrates his 20th birthday today.

Born on April 3, 2005, Connor Vaughan Owen is one of the star performers for North Wales Coast West Premier Division club Gwalchmai.

Even though he only turns 20 today, Connor has already netted over 100 goals for his Ynys Môn based village club.

It was a memorable day on January 18 when Connor reached the century landmark by scoring in a 2-2 draw with Llannerchymedd.

His current stats for Gwalchmai are: 117 appearances, 102 goals.

Connor made his Gwalch debut in 2021-22 and his record since then is:
2021-22: 29 games, 12 goals
2022-23: 35 games, 39 goals
2023-24: 33 games, 29 goals
2024-25: 20 games, 22 goals (season ongoing – up to March 29, 2025)

Connor has rattled up 11 hat-tricks for Gwalch, including three in consecutive matches in 2022-23 against Amlwch Town, Penrhyndeudraeth and Mynydd Llandegai.

His highlights include scoring in Gwalch’s 3-1 victory over Penrhyndeudraeth in last season’s NWCFA intermediate Cup final at Bangor.

And in 2022-23, he notched a hat-trick in the final of the Cwpan Snowdonia Fire and Security Cup, which saw the Maes Meurig men defeat Talysarn Celts 3-2 at Maes Eilian, Llanfairpwll.

Connor grabbed the 89th minute decider from the penalty spot.

Of his 102 club goals, 67 have come in the league.

With Gwalchmai currently third in the Premier Division, 12 points behind leaders Bethesda Athletic but with three games in hand, the Maes Meurig club still have a chance of winning the title, although a fixtures backlog may affect them.

They are also set to meet Bethesda in the Cwpan Snowdonia Fire and Security Cup, so there is a decent possibility Connor could end the season with some silverware.

Gwalchmai has produced so many great goalscorers over the years – Mark Griffith (Sgruff), Marc Evans, Craig Evans, Nigel Trigg, Corey Sinnott and many more….

Even at this early stage of his career, Connor Owen must belong up there with the best of them.

Penblwydd hapus Connor.