MATCH OF THE WEEKEND: Freeman double sees Chirk to victory over the Park

Fantastic goalmouth action as Chirk (red) go for goal. Pictures: BRIAN PRYDDEN – massive thanks Brian

NORTH EAST WALES LEAGUE DIVISION 1 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025

Chirk AAA 2 (T Freeman 34, 75)
FC Queen’s Park 1 (Latham pen 54)

Forget the fact this was a Tier 4 game – just the names of these two illustrious clubs alone made Friday night’s battle at Holyhead Road one of North Wales’ matches of the weekend.

Just two seasons ago Chirk were a Cymru North side. Since then the Colliers have had a couple of tough seasons and find themselves in North East Wales League Division 1.

Before the start: captains Rhys Hughes (Queen’s Park) and Chirk’s Tom Freeman wish each other all the best

However, the club’s distinguished history and penchant for winning trophies will always make them a ‘name’ in Welsh football.

Queen’s Park have also tasted Tier 2 football in the past under a different guise, but in more recent times have been one of the top clubs in the fourth-tier, landing a unique club quintet in 2022-23.

This season, they have built a strong, experienced squad and sit among the favourites to land the Division 1 title.

Friday’s encounter at Holyhead Road turned out to be the tight battle most would have predicted.

Both teams are tipped to be challenging this season so it was a great result for The Colliers after a disappointing NEWFA Challenge Cup exit against Coedpoeth in midweek.

Chirk’s Tom Freeman shoots for goal

One of the most popular football bets is ‘first goalscorer’ and there is no doubt if such a wager had been on offer for this game, the money would have flooded on Chirk’s Tom Freeman, the AAA’s 21-goal top marksman of last season who has rejoined the club after a spell with Brickfield Rangers.

And indeed all Freeman bets would have come in as the hard-working forward broke the deadlock on 34 minutes.

Freeman was the home side’s hero with both goals either side of the break after being assisted by Brandon Edwards on both occasions. Sandwiched in between was a penalty by Queen’s Park talisman Mike Latham.

Both teams had a man sent off in the closing stages with Latham and Edwards receiving second yellows and subsequent red card.

Mike Latham converts a penalty for Queen’s Park

Man of the match for Chirk was the impressive young dynamo Tommy McArdle with a busy performance which kept the midfield ticking all night. He was ably supported by both Brandon Edwards and debutant Nathan Jones

A great result, now Chirk must wait until Tuesday, 19th August for their next game when they entertain Ruabon Rovers.

The Park are next away to Skippy in the NEWFA Challenge Cup on August 16.

Match officials: referee Mr Jed Machin, assistants Mr Dyfan Owain Roberts and Mr Colin Edge

CHIRK AAA

Ash Maw
Alfie Harris
Matthew Cooke
Josh Williams
Keegan Jakovlevs
Nathan Jones
Tom Freeman (c)
Tommy McArdle
Niall Freeman
Liam Sklenar
Brandon Edwards
Subs used
Ryan Daves-Dowd
Harrison Plumb
Tom Roberts
Manager: Ryan Roberts

FC QUEEN’S PARK

Josh Edwards
Mike Latham
Jordan Williams
Rhys Hughes (c)
Charlie Rowley
Tony Jones
Ryan Jakovlevs
Curtis Neary
Barry Torrence
Sam Molyneux
Cody Hughes
SUBS USED
Jake Harper
Deacon Hughes
Jake Morris
Manager: Arran Taylor