The title race in the North Wales Coast West Premier Division intensified over the weekend as the top three teams secured convincing victories. Leaders Menai Bridge Tigers triumphed over Penrhyndeudraeth with a score of 4-2 on Friday evening, while Nantlle Vale and Nefyn United followed suit with commanding wins, keeping the pressure firmly on the Tigers.
Menai Bridge started the weekend strong, establishing an early lead through Matthew Jones, who scored in the 21st minute. Despite a spirited response from Penrhyndeudraeth, with Gwion Davies equalizing shortly after, the Tigers regained control. John Littlemore restored their lead just before half-time, and Cameron Barry extended it to 3-1 in the second half. Although Penrhyndeudraeth managed to pull one back through Reece Evans in the closing minutes, Kaine Bentley sealed the victory for Menai Bridge with a stoppage-time goal.
Nantlle Vale’s match on Saturday against Llanerch-y-Medd was a more straightforward affair. The home side dominated from the outset, with Ashley Owen opening the scoring in the 10th minute, marking his 16th league goal of the season. Luke Phillips added a second just eight minutes later, and Alex Kalafusz extended their lead to 3-0 by the half-hour mark. Kalafusz scored again in the second half, and further goals from Carter Davies and Llion Griffiths led to a resounding 6-1 victory, with Tomos Hughes scoring a consolation goal for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Nefyn United celebrated a remarkable performance against Talysarn Celts, with Steffan Toplis netting his second hat-trick in four games since transferring from Pwllheli. Toplis opened the scoring in the 10th minute and quickly doubled his tally. His third goal came from a setup by Jake Jones, bringing his total to nine goals for Nefyn within a month. Deio Jones added a fourth goal early in the second half, resulting in a comfortable 4-0 win for Nefyn.
In another match, Llanystumdwy secured a 3-1 victory over Llanberis, with Albert Nosakhare and Arwyn Jones scoring early goals. Guto Jones pulled one back for the visitors before Arwyn Jones sealed the win with a second goal on the 70th minute.
The weather thwarted Blaenau Ffestiniog’s match against Boded, leaving them without a game. As the season progresses, the competition for the title remains fierce, with Menai Bridge holding an eight-point lead but facing challenges from both Nantlle Vale and Nefyn United, each with games in hand that could shift the balance in the title race.
