A quick glance at 11 players who have stood out during the first half of the 2021/22 JD Cymru Premier season.
Gregor Zabret – Aberystwyth Town
Aberystwyth Town might be struggling at the lower end of the table, but the Seasiders have the fifth best defensive record in the league thanks to the Slovenian keeper’s shot-stopping skills. Still only 26-years-old, the Black & Greens will do well to keep their hands on the talented goalkeeper.
George Horan – Connah’s Quay
At the ripe age of 39, Connah’s Quay’s captain is like a fine wine and seems to get better each year. The Nomads boast the best defensive record in the league (nine goals in 17 games) and Horan is still one of the strongest and bravest in both boxes.
John Disney – Connah’s Quay
Another one of the Nomads’ solid defenders who has helped the team to keep seven consecutive clean sheets in the league. Disney is a dependable and reliable player who can read the game as well as anybody in the JD Cymru Premier.
Kane Owen – Pen-y-bont
Pen-y-bont captain Kane Owen has an absolute wand of a left foot that is a wicked weapon from set-pieces. The resolute left-back has a mesmerizing technique and his on-field leadership has guided Pen-y-bont up into the top half yet again this season.
Lifumpa Mwandwe – Newtown
Rapid, skilful, and oozing with confidence – Lifumpa Mwandwe is the one guy that you don’t want to face in a one-on-one situation. The speedy winger has been fouled more than anybody this season, and as well as netting four goals, Mwandwe has made seven assists for the Robins.
Jon Routledge – The New Saints
Jon Routledge is the best defensive midfielder in the league without a doubt. He has mastered the art of disrupting the opposition but has also developed his game to initiate attacks for The New Saints. A real unsung hero at Park Hall.
David Edwards – Bala Town
In a season which has been less than inspiring for Bala Town, David Edwards has been the one positive spark since signing over the summer. The ex-Welsh international has scored nine league goals for the Lakesiders and shown a real respect for the JD Cymru Premier since his move from the English Football League.
Robert Hughes – Caernarfon Town
Robert Hughes has returned to his finest form since making the move to the Oval. The tricky winger is at the top of the assists chart (9) and having the support of the Cofi Army seems to have boosted the player’s confidence.
Jack Kenny – Flint Town United
Jack Kenny has flourished since being paired up front with the experienced Michael Wilde at Cae-y-Castell. The two physical frontmen have both reached double figures this season and put the dark horses in a great position to compete for European football.
Aaron Williams – Newtown
With 21 goals in all competitions, including four hat-tricks, it’s safe to say that Aaron Williams has been a successful signing for Newtown. Williams is the first player in five years to score more than 11 league goals for the Robins, and we’re only halfway through the season.
Declan McManus – The New Saints
With a big price tag comes big expectations, and after The New Saints broke the transfer fee record to pay £60,000 for the Scottish striker, McManus has proven his worth by climbing to the top of the league’s scorers’ chart with 16 goals in 17 games. The Saints’ no.9 holds the ball up fantastically well, bringing others into play effectively, and along with his 16 goals, McManus has made another five assists for his teammates.
