PREVIEW: Which teams will shine in Tier 2 Genero Adran North this season?

This weekend sees the Tier 2 Genero Adran North sides begin their season in earnest with the opening exchanges in the Adran Trophy group stage.

With CPD Y Rhyl 1879 withdrawing from the league, Tier 3 Llangefni Town will take their place in the Trophy. Good preparation for what may turn into a promotion campaign for Dan Gregg’s side.

As for the Adran North, it will continue as a seven-team league this season, the same scenario it faced in 2022-23, with Berriew coming up and NFA going down.

Here’s a look at the prospects for the seven.

GENERO ADRAN NORTH 2025-26

Connah’s Quay Nomads

Champions last season with 14 straight wins and undoubtedly favourites to complete back-to-back title successes.
The additions of Megan Galeandro, Paris Schofield and Libby MacKenzie will only make the group more powerful. Last season’s goal queens Polly Wild-McGregor, Adran North Player and Young Player of the Season, plus Ella Jones, will be huge factors for the title-holders.
While Poppy Kendrick-Jones, Keira Hardstaff and Shannon Hobbs moving on could be seen as setbacks, the Nomads squad is undoubtedly still very strong.
Jordan Parry will have plans to go one better than last season by topping the league again and then winning the Adran Premier promotion play-off, but nothing will be taken for granted.

Llandudno

The only team to win the Adran North title twice will no doubt be going all out to make it a three-timer.
Adding attacking players Hannah Owen, Emily Bentley and Jess Mills over the summer can only benefit the Seasiders, who possess a nice balance of experience and youth.
They will need Maddie Williams and Kelsey Davies to be firing in front of goal, and early signs are good, while Jasmin Dutton, who has already notched a hat-trick in the NWCFA Challenge Cup, is always a reliable net-finder.
Youngsters Beca Davies, Angharad Jones, Amelia Mercer and Olivia Rigby will come on from senior experience already gained.

Flint Town United

Newly-promoted last season and finishing fifth out of eight, Flint are more than capable of improving on that.
Good pre-season signings include the very influential Becca Eagles from a now-folded Rhyl 1879, the 2024-25 campaign 53-goal machine Beth Roberts, midfield battler Becca Hughes, plus the outstanding striker Shannon Hobbs, still in recovery from long-term injury but who hopes to be available before Christmas.
And the decision of goalkeeper Becky Bott to ‘unretire’ is a big boost for the squad.
In attack, team record-goalscorer Zoe Stopford and the dynamic Rosie Hughes will be key faces, while left-winger Daisy Hughes. whose 2024-25 season was disrupted by injuries, can flourish if she avoids any further setbacks.

CPDM Bangor

With new manager Rich Parry at the helm supported by established assistants Aron Griffith and Lois Regan, plus a number of quality signings made this summer, it would be no surprise to see Bangor hit the ground running.
Heading into their third season at Tier 2, the blues have already shown glimpses that they are capable of good things by knocking Pwllheli out of the NWCFA Challenge Cup.
On top of the fresh faces, the Citizens have players on a high from representing Ynys Môn in the Island Games in July.
New stars to watch out for include Wales Under-16 midfielder Holly Owen-Roberts, who has looked great in warm-up games, prolific striker Tesni Hughes and playmaker Emma Roberts.
Ffion Thomas is already in the goals, continuing her successful days at Llangefni Town, while Leah Jones and Joanna Bramwell are experienced and useful additions.
And then there’s the expertise of Carol Lewis alongside gifted youth such as Erin Burns, Mia Roberts and goal-getter Menna Evans. plus many more.
One can only feel positive about Bangor’s potential this season.

CPDM Y Felinheli

While Felinheli have not made many summer signings the main newcomer they have brought in is a very special one.
Midfield powerhouse Anna Jones scored on her debut in last weekend’s 3-1 Challenge Cup win at Llangefni and has all the attributes to be one of Adran North’s biggest forces this season.
The former Caernarfon Town, Llandudno, Chester and Tranmere Rovers star ranks as one of the finest signings of pre-season.
She joins a Felinheli side which has won a trophy in each of the past three seasons and consistently operated at the higher end of the table.
While the early-season loss of young defender/midfielder Jody Cain to injury is a blow, there is still a potent mix of youth and experience in Aaron Jones-Evans’ squad.
Llywela Edwards, a quality addition last season, will for sure be one to watch again, while it is hoped the skilful Katie Midwinter will be more regularly available as she juggles a flourishing career in horse racing with her love of the beautiful game.
All round, there is a really solid look about Felinheli. Their togetherness is one of their very biggest assets.

Llanfair United

Improved beyond all recognition last season in finishing second, Llanfair are expected to be a major player again, although the loss of influential Paris Schofield is a blow.
Proven good performers like Mary Bailey, Harriet Davies, Tonicha Lloyd, Mary Griffiths and Sophie Cook are names to look out for.

Berriew

Promoted by an FAW ruling rather than on the pitch, Berriew nonetheless have earned a chance to better themselves after winning the Tier 3 East division last season.
It would have made far more sense to promote the North East Wales League East and West champions, or the West runners-up, who had the T2 licence, rather than leave things in the hands of play-offs, and relegate two from the Adran North. Two-up, two-down.
Berriew might find the going tough in Tier 2, but they have one of the best goal poachers around in the experienced Gemma Jones.

OPENING FIXTURES – ADRAN NORTH TROPHY – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 (2 pm kick-offs)

GROUP 3

Berriew v Connah’s Quay Nomads
CPDM Y Felinheli v Llandudno

GROUP 4

CPDM Bangor v Llangefni Town
Flint Town United v Llanfair United