Tier 3 clubs also set for January return

There is growing optimism that football could be back to normal by the end of January for more clubs, after the Welsh game’s third tier announced promising news.

Earlier this week it was confirmed that Tier 2 clubs, including Guilsfield, Llanidloes Town and Llanrhaeadr, will start their JD Cymru North season in January, while last night officials in charge of Tier 3 football also hinted at a January start.

The Ardal Northern League set-up, which covers local clubs like Welshpool Town, Berriew and Caersws, said that should Tier 2’s launch go well, they will be starting their leagues soon after.

"The current proposed re-start date is the end of January, subject to Sport Wales approval,” the league stated.

The league confirmed that each division would host a 15-match season with clubs playing each other just once. It means half the clubs will have eight home and seven away matches, and vice versa for the others dependent on the random draw.

The league also confirmed that the winners of the four leagues will be granted promotion, with the four runners-up playing for two further places in regional play-offs.

Sadly, there is no news yet on a potential start date for the Montgomeryshire League.