PICTURE by Wynne Evans.

WELL, there you have it folks, Mynydd Tigers are your 2017/18 Kon-X Anglesey League champions following a terrific campaign.

In their debut campaign they achieved brilliance and now look as though they’re destined to play in the Gwynedd League next season (providing their application is granted approval by the FAW).

It’s fair to say though that there’s been some stand out stars for plenty of clubs this season and AFEFootballNews is here to bring you the list of the very best that the division had to offer during the season just gone.

Bare in mind that I have tried to include as many players from each club as possible just to make it fair as well (breakdown of players is at the bottom of this article).

The top 10 are in order but the other 90 that follow are ranked in terms of where their clubs finished in the league, but nevertheless deserve their place on the list. Congratulations to all of those who had a fine season. I’m looking forward to the next already!

1. Gary Jo Owen (Valley/Caergybi)

A move from Valley to league rivals Caergybi early on in the season certainly didn’t disrupt Gary Jo’s form in any way, shape or form.

The striker has become a recognisable face in the lower leagues of north Wales football over the past few years and has always been known to score goals wherever he goes.

This season was no different. He hit a total of 58 goals throughout the campaign and looked particularly sharp in the second half of the season, where at one point he hit 18 goals in just three matches.

Caergybi finished the season as Megan Cup champions and enjoyed a very decent debut campaign in the Anglesey League (finishing fourth) and Owen spearheaded a lot of that. His consistently brilliant performances throughout have earned him the (rather long) title of AFEFootballNews Kon-X Anglesey League Player of the Season. Congratulations!

2. James Ryan (Bryngwran Bulls)

The Bulls enjoyed a remarkable campaign this year, winning both the Lucas Oil Cup and the Dargie Cup and finishing as runners-up in the division and the Megan Cup

Ryan was the main man in Richard Owen’s side throughout the campaign and he led his side’s attack really well – notching up an incredible 54 goals along the way. He was menace for defenders to try and handle as he was a strong forward who was great with his feet and in the air too.

It was an unforgettable season for both himself and The Bulls this year and with the news that Craig Moore has returned to the club from Trearddur Bay, it looks as though the club could have two 40+ goals a season strikers next year.

3. Herbie Hofsteede (Mynydd Tigers)

Hofsteede (right) is undoubtedly AFEFootballNews’ Young Player of the Season.

The 18-year-old was brought in from Caernarfon Town Reserves in the summer and is an attacking midfielder who brought some attacking flair to a youthful Mynydd side this year.

Hofsteede enjoyed a phenomenal debut season in the league, scoring 32 goals and helping his side reach two cup finals before scoring two goals to help his side clinch the league title on the final day of the season.

His vision, passing and finishing put him a cut above the rest during 2017/18.

4. Ciaran O’Brady (Mynydd Tigers)

Irishman O’Brady continuously pulled the strings in midfield for the champions this season.

The winger was pivotal to Mark Hughes’ side’s success in their debut campaign and proved his worth with a stunning performance in that decisive final day win over Bryngwran Bulls.

His 17 goals contribution also came in handy and his dribbling and skills out wide caught the eye of many fans, players and managers alike throughout the course of the season.

5. Scott Hughes (Arriva Bangor)

Kevin Jones’ Arriva Bangor side stormed onto the Saturday League side scene this year after spending many a season in the Sunday League and one man in particular surprised everyone with his prolific form.

Striker Scott Hughes more than relished the chance to play at a higher level this year and always looked like scoring, ending a terrific campaign on 46 goals.

Hughes formed a formidable partnership with Andy Clarke in the second half of the season and the deadly duo fired Arriva to a decent fifth place finish, as well as Elias and Car Boot Cup glory.

6. Andrew Bailey (Bryngwran Bulls)

Bulls club captain really stood out amongst the midfielders this season as his grit and determination to help his side win was clear to see.

Bailey’s experience and leadership skills came in handy for his side and the 20 goals he scored from midfield were an added bonus to his side too.

He has become a vital component within Richard Owen’s side and they will be hoping that he re-signs for the season ahead.

7. Justin Williams (Valley)

Valley have been banging in the goals all season and they have three players who have hit the 20+ mark, so it was a little surprising to see them end up third and trophy-less in the end.

Nevertheless, Justin Williams has been their main man up top this year. The pacey forward bagged himself 36 goals and always looked a real threat when Valley broke on the counter-attack.

He linked up well with fellow striker (and Williams) Mike and winger Konner Druce and the troublesome trio ended the campaign with a combined total of 89 goals between them.

8. Matty Roberts (Bryngwran Bulls) 

Winger who enjoyed a great season with the Bulls from out wide, notching up 15 goals as his side claimed a Cup double.

Quick and agile, Roberts was a joy to watch when running down the wing and notched a vital goal in The Bulls 3-0 win over Mynydd Tigers in the Lucas Oil Cup back in April.

The good news for The Bulls is that he has re-signed for the 2018/19 season and will no doubt work as hard as he did last season to help them earn even more success.

9. Mike Williams (Mynydd Tigers)

Williams (right) has received high praise this season for the way that he has helped lead Mynydd to the Anglesey League title as captain of the club.

The centre back has acted as a more experienced head within a youthful side and has performed brilliantly at times.

His performances have earned him a reputation as the best defender in the division thanks to his no-nonsense style of play and his physical attributes have often put him a cut above the rest.

10. Hari Jones (Bryngwran Bulls)

The centre back has been by far one of the best defenders in the division this season for me.

Jones is a tough tackling centre back who’s great in the air and rarely loses the ball and, alongside Henry Caldecott, the pair have formed a formidable defensive partnership that has been hard to break down at times.

We won’t be seeing him in the Anglesey League this season though as he’s made the move to Llanerchymedd FC.

BEST OF THE REST (sorted by club):

11. Kieron Bullock (Mynydd Tigers) – 17-year-old who has given performances beyond his years this season. Deployed as a winger/wing-back, Bullock popped up with 18 goals during a fine campaign and his versatility was key to the champions’ success.

12. Tomos Eames (Mynydd Tigers) – 18-year-old midfielder who has been brilliant for the Tigers this season. He has looked lively throughout and played a key role in helping his side claim the title, scoring a free-kick on the final day of the season.

13. David Ball (Mynydd Tigers) – 41-year-old goalkeeper who says that he is planning to retire in the summer, despite helping his team march on to the title. Was always a calm and collected presence between the sticks for the Tigers.

14. Mike Holroyd (Mynydd Tigers) – Attacker who provided a handful of goals especially towards the end of The Tigers’ march to the title.

15. Mark Hughes (Mynydd Tigers) – Mynydd’s Player-Manager has contributed his fair share of assists and goals this season too and was a leader both on and off the pitch.

16. Wisdom Janes (Mynydd Tigers) – Highly reliable player who was a regular in Mynydd’s first team. Played in midfield and in defence and looked solid in both areas.

17. Dafydd Williams (Mynydd Tigers) – Young striker who played a key role for Mynydd early on in the season until injuries plagued his season. Hit five goals in three games at the beginning of the campaign.

18. Adam Evans (Mynydd Tigers) – Former Bangor City and Wrexham youth player who starred for The Tigers at the beginning of the season, bursting onto the scene with nine goals in his first five matches.

19. Ian Owen (Mynydd Tigers) – Experienced player who helped keep things tight at the back for Mynydd’s impressive defence this season.

20. Tomos Griffiths (Mynydd Tigers) – Player who usually played as a left wing back for The Tigers and was highly reliable throughout.

21. Alex Griffiths (Mynydd Tigers) – The other Griffiths in Mark Hughes’ side was usually played in the heart of the defence and very rarely made mistakes alongside Ian Owen and Mike Williams.

 

 

22. Tony Meyer (Bryngwran Bulls) – Midfielder who was Bryngwran’s unsung hero this season in my opinion. Pacey and can play a great through ball too, Meyer grabbed himself 10 goals this season.

23. Iolo Jones (Bryngwran Bulls) – One of the division’s most creative players this season, Jones has been a vital component in The Bulls line-up with his vision, passing and “never say die” attitude.

24. Henry Caldecott (Bryngwran Bulls) – One of the best defenders in the league this season. The centre back was formidable at times along side CB partner Hari Jones and impressed with his performances.

25. John Jones (Bryngwran Bulls) – 21-year-old Jones (again!) was a reliable option at right back for the Bulls and proved his worth to the team with some hard-working performances during the course of the season.

26. Dale Jones (Bryngwran Bulls) – Again, another player who won’t have had the plaudits from many, but was a great player this season when picked to play.

27. Nathan Lewis (Bryngwran Bulls) – Striker who hit seven goals in the second half of the season for Bryngwran and looked a threat when going forward. Also bagged the decisive winner in the thrilling Dargie Cup final win over Mynydd.

28. Roy Sayle (Bryngwran Bulls) – Bulls’ main goalkeeper this season was reliable between the sticks and put in some great performances. Is now planning to retire from the game.

29. John Earnshaw (Bryngwran Bulls) – Full-back who was a mainstay in The Bulls’ starting eleven. He also plans to retire at the end of the season.

30. Arwyn Williams (Bryngwran Bulls) – Versatile player for The Bulls who played in several positions last season, even in goal. One things is for sure – “Awi” always gave 100% for his club no matter where he played.

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31. Konner Druce (Valley/Caergybi) – One of the best wingers in the division. Druce started his campaign at Millbank with Cybi before moving to rivals Valley midway through the season. He ended up on 23 goals at the end of the season and even deputised in goal for both clubs too showing his versatility.

32. Mike Williams (Valley) – Tall striker who was a menace in front of goal with his physical presence and headers. Williams netted 30 goals in what was remarkable season for himself.

33. Marc Wilson (Valley) – One of the engine’s in Valley’s well built side. Wilson was a tireless worker out wide for Valley, the club where he has plied his trade for several seasons now.

34. Jordie Lees (Valley) – Creative spark in midfield for Barry Rowlands’ highly-attacking Valley side. He was the one of the main provider of goals for his side and helped Williams, Williams and Druce on their way to hitting 20+ goals this season.

35. Nik Kontodios (Valley) – Yet another Valley star who probably didn’t get the credit he deserved this season. Operating mainly as his side’s defensive midfielder, Kontodios could often be seen making interceptions and tackles in the middle of the park. He certainly did the dirty work for his side when he needed to.

36. Ashley Hughes (Valley) – Hughes was solid at the back for a Valley side that conceded just 37 goals in the league this season. He has become ever-present in Barry Rowlands’ side.

37. Mark Hamblin (Valley) – Midfielder who was a real bright spark for his club at times. One of his highlights included scoring a hat-trick in an 8-1 win over Pentraeth Reserves.

38. Jamie Owen (Valley) – Goalkeeper Owen was also exceptional for his side time and time again. One of his finest moments came when he denied Llangoed attacker Martin Byast a sure-fire winner in the dying moments of a match between the two sides.

39. Barry Roberts (Valley) – Another solid defender in Barry Rowlands’ side who was a regular starter. Played at left back and on the left hand side of a back three too.

40. Ryan Hall (Valley) – Attacker who burst onto the scene in the second half of the season for Valley. Popped up with five goals in a short space of time.

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41. Liam Williams (Valley/Caergybi) – Younger brother of Gary Jo Owen also had a season to remember. He was the league’s most creative player, with over 70 assists to his name.

42.  Dewi Thomas (Caergybi) – Cybi skipper Thomas was a big reason for the club’s great performances throughout the season. Gary Jo may have been the main man in terms of goals and Liam Williams may have been the main creative spark, but Thomas was the driving force behind the whole team in my opinion.

43. Colm Foley (Caergybi) – Defender who has looked solid throughout for Caergybi this season. Helped them on their way to a top four finish with some fine displays at the back.

44. Glenn North (Caergybi) – Scorer of what was probably the fastest ever Anglesey League goal when he netted after just seven seconds against Llandegfan. North ended his campaign on 14 goals.

45. Kurt Harris (Caergybi) – Useful player for Caergybi when called upon, whether that was off the bench or in the starting eleven. The forward ended his campaign with 13 goals.

46. Luke McKittrick (Caergybi) – Cybi’s “Most Improved Player” award winner was a real grafter in midfield. He battled hard throughout and scored a vital equaliser in his side’s Megan Cup final win over Bryngwran.

47. Kieran Weeks (Caergybi) – Goalkeeper who has been ever-present in net throughout Cybi’s season. He’s been awarded several Man of the Match awards along the way (including in the Megan Cup final) for the saves he’s produced.

48. Ashley Beck (Caergybi) – Caergybi management’s Player of the Season. Beck posed a real attacking threat for his side this season and was always a handful for defenders to deal with.

49. Elliot Patterson (Caergybi) – Another useful player out wide for the highly creative Caergybi side, Patterson had a positive influence on Dale Moffat’s side during their debut AL campaign.

50. Casey Williams (Caergybi) – Just like his brother, Gary Jo and Liam, Casey was also a reliable figure for Cybi this year. The defender captained his side to Megan Cup glory just last month following a solid display at the back.

51. Dan Lowies (Caergybi) – Defender who was a regular in Dale Moffat’s starting eleven. Highly reliable at the back and always vocal too.

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52. Liam Roberts (Arriva Bangor) – Arriva’s captain has been a star player in their midfield this season and helped them on their way to scooping an Elias Cup and Car Boot Trophy double.

53. Mutsu Oyama (Arriva Bangor) – Japanese full back who was ever-present in the Arriva side. Really established himself as a first team player and was hard to get past down the wing.

54. Andy Clarke (Arriva Bangor) – Striker who arrived later on into the season having already hit seven goals for Menai Bridge Tigers. He then followed that up with 18 more goals when he arrived at Arriva and formed a great partnership with star man Scott Hughes.

55. Kieron Davies (Arriva Bangor) – Highly effective player who popped up with 10 goals for his side this season. He earned Arriva’s “Most Improved Player” award at their presentation night.

56. Matthew Williams (Arriva Bangor) – Given Arriva’s Player of the Season award by the club’s management team. Williams always puts the graft in for his side and seems to just have that natural footballing talent.

57. Danial Ogwen Jones (Arriva Bangor) – Another player who was useful to Kevin Jones’ side. Jones scored a memorable double in his side’s thrilling 6-4 Car Boot Trophy final win over Caergybi.

58. Josh Royds (Arriva Bangor) – Winner of Arriva’s Goal of the Season award, Royds was a hard-working player in the midfield when called upon this season.

59. Ben Hulse (Arriva Bangor) – Winger who, although he received a number of red cards this season for being hotheaded (in his own words!), still managed to score eight goals for Arriva. His crossing from out wide was always a threat to the opposition.

60. Jay Williams (Arriva Bangor) – Arriva’s “Unsung Hero” this season and another one who never stopped grafting whenever he was needed.

61. Dion Lewis (Arriva Bangor) – Main goalkeeper for Kevin Jones’ side this year who impressed with some fine performances.

62. Kyle Jones (Arriva Bangor) – Another one who played in goal whenever Lewis was unavailable and he too produced some fine performances.

63. Stephen Edwards (Arriva Bangor) – Defender in his 50’s who can more than keep up with players who are half his age. The centre back was ever-present in Arriva’s starting eleven and was always a key player in that team.

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64. Luke Allaway (Bodorgan) – Tall striker who was Bod’s main man this season, racking up 28 goals and lead the attack very well. Always calm from the spot too whenever his side got a penalty in their favour.

65. Danny Connolly (Bodorgan) – Striker who thoroughly impressed after making the move from Holyhead Hotspsur Reserves. His fine run of form and great finishing abilities saw him score 17 goals.

66. Darragh Byrne (Bodorgan) – Irish midfielder who tightened things up in midfield for bod this season and captained the side on a number of occasions. His inclusion in their squad certainly strengthened them as a side.

67. Sam Hallas (Bodorgan) – Club captain and whenever he plays Bodorgan seem to just have that extra edge to their game. Controls the game well from the middle of the park and always grafts for his side.

68. Steve Davies (Bodorgan) – Centre back who returned to Cae Cob having spent nearly half the season at Pentraeth Reserves. Re-established himself in the heart of their defence upon his return and was never afraid to put in a great tackle.

69. Luke Gardner (Bodorgan) – Attacker who popped up with some vital goals for Bodorgan towards the end of the season, even scoring in the Elias Cup final.

70. Jake Hughes (Bodorgan) – Engine in midfield for Bod who just never seems to stop running. His tireless stamina has been a vital advantage to his club time and time again.

71. Dyfed Williams (Bodorgan) – Has played nearly every minute for Bodorgan this season and has been a vital player for them at left back.

72. Aron Owen (Bodorgan) – Another player who came in at Cae Cob this season and made a good impact on their side.

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73. Lee Heywood (Llangoed Reserves) – Goalkeeper Heywood has been hailed as one of the “most improved” players of the season. After dropping down from Llangoed’s first team to earn some game time, he proved his worth and earned several Man of the Match awards during the season. He will be playing for Bryngwran Bulls next season.

74. Arwyn Morris (Llangoed Reserves) – Llangoed Reserves’ main man who hit 17 goals this season. Whenever they needed a goal, he was certainly the most likely to get one – until he moved up to the first team that is.

75. Cameron Slater (Llangoed Reserves) – Dewi Williams’ side’s Player of the Season. Slater had a great season and looked solid at the back time and time again in a Reserves side who’s defence was hard to break down at times.

76. Phil Owen (Llangoed Reserves) – Arwyn Morris aside, Owen may have been the Reserves’ stand out player this season. The midfielder netted five goals.

77. Ollie Zalot (Llangoed Reserves) – Another member of the solid Reserves defence who performed well on a regular basis. Whenever he was injured, he was a huge loss.

78. Warren Fletcher (Llangoed Reserves) – Leader at the back for the Reserves this season. The centre back was vocal throughout and always put in some well-timed tackles too.

79. Robin Morris (Llangoed Reserves) – Full-back/winger who was a regular in the Reserves side this season and was a highly versatile and useful squad player to  call upon.

80. Jay Finter (Llangoed Reserves) – Young winger who is held in high regard at the club. Had no trouble in bursting forward on the counter-attack.

81.  Luke Roberts (Llangoed Reserves) – Centre back who’s fine performances earned him a call-up to Llangoed’s first team.

82. Shaun Morris (Llangoed Reserves) – Striker who scored some vital goals at times for Dewi Williams side.

83. Nathaniel Evans (Llangoed Reserves) – Young central midfielder who has a very bright future ahead of him. Made regular appearances for Dewi Williams’ side and scored a couple of goals too.

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84. Jack Diamond (Pentraeth Reserves) – The Reserves’ top scorer this season with 10 goals. Pacey forward who always looked like being the one to score the goals and no surprise to see him move onto the first team.

85. Jon Morton (Pentraeth Reserves) – Forward who popped up with eight goals for Pentraeth’s second string this season and was one of their best players. Also made the most starts for the club too.

86. Tom Adamek (Pentraeth Reserves) – A real hard worker in the middle of the park for Justin Gallagher’s side, Adamek was often a stand out player for the Reserves this season and received high praises. He is back with the club for 2018/19.

87. Danny Roberts (Pentraeth Reserves) – Committee Player of the Season at Pentraeth Reserves. A tricky winger who was always a bright spark going forward.

88. Dyfed Alston (Pentraeth Reserves) – Players’ Player of the Season with the Reserves who put in some fine performances.

89. Guto Ifan (Pentraeth Reserves) – Had the most assists for the Reserves this season and always looked lively for Justin Gallagher’s side.

90. Urien Elfyn (Pentraeth Reserves) – Central midfielder who was one of Pentraeth’s standout stars this season. Played an important role for them time and time again whenever he featured.

91. Rob Barker (Pentraeth Reserves) – Player who received the most Man of the Match awards for the Reserves this season and always grafted hard for his team.

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92. Matthew Roberts (Llandegfan) – Despite the club having conceded the highest amount of goals of any team by far this season, Roberts was a real presence at the back for Llandeg. He threw himself at everything and earned many a Man of the Match awards and the club’s Player of the Season award too.

93. Ryan Hughes (Llandegfan) – Llandeg’s top scorer with eight goals. Hughes is a striker who is great with the ball at his feet and made a lasting impact on a struggling club this season.

94. Jordan Love (Llandegfan) – Player-manager who brought Llandegfan back into the league after a four year absence. Captained the side on several occasions and finished the season on seven goals.

95. Ryan Williams (Llandegfan) – Young centre back who showed maturity beyond his years at times. Captained the side on several occasions and is now set to make a move up to the Gwynedd League with Bro Goronwy.

96. Geraint Roberts (Llandegfan) – Probably Llandeg’s best midfielder last season. Roberts’ passing, vision and commitment to the team made him an important player at the club.

97. Dale Rowlands (Llandegfan) – Rowlands was one of those players who just never stopped running for his side this season and gave his all each and every week – even playing in several different positions.

98. Ashley Jones (Llandegfan) – 21-year-old midfielder who always seemed to work hard in the midfield for a struggling Llandegfan side. He was never afraid to put his foot in and win the ball back and also popped up with four goals this season.

99. Neil Gillard (Llandegfan) – Llandegfan’s “Most Improved” player during 2017/18. Gillard is a winger who also played in full-back positions at times and always gave his all in games, no matter what the scoreline was.

100. Hywel Hughes (Llandegfan) – Ask anyone that knows Anglesey League football and they’ll tell you that they know “The Monk”. The Llandeg goalkeeper may have conceded over 120 goals last season, but it’s fair to say that it could have been a lot more if it wasn’t for some of the saves he pulled off at times. He also netted two goals along the way from the penalty spot.

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Breakdown of players:

Arriva Bangor – 14

Bodorgan – 9

Bryngwran Bulls – 13

Caergybi – 12

Llandegfan – 9

Llangoed Reserves – 10

Mynydd Tigers – 14

Pentraeth Reserves – 8

Valley – 11

What do you make of the list? Agree or disagree with me? Have I left someone out? Let me know in the comments section below!