Sports reporter Dean Jones of The North Wales Pioneer, gives his view on the standout performers so far in his Team of the Year, with no less than 4 Llandudno players featuring in his starting 11 it is sure to be a Merry Christmas at Maesdu Park.

Goalkeeper:

Richard Harvey (Porthmadog):

A former Welsh Collleges international, Harvey has produced a number of stunning performances this season which has seen him emerge as one of the standout performers at his position in the league.

Harvey has been a commanding presence in the Port goal this season, something that has contributed significantly to their impressive defensive record, having conceded only 18 goals so far this term.

Port will need Harvey’s assurance for the second half of the season, which could see them emerge as a surprise candidate for the title, as they currently lie in fourth position, nine points off the leaders.

Right back:

Kyle Reid (Buckley Town):

An unknown quantity coming into the season, Reid has been a strong influence on over-achieving Buckley, and has contributed a number of significant goals to aid his side’s cause.

The stocky right-back has a tremendous range of passing at his disposal, and added to his positive forward play, Reid has manage to net an impressive eight times from a defensive position this season.

If he continues in this rich vein of form, then Town can count on the defender reaching double-figures for the season, something that will be essential if they are to maintain their sixth placed position in the standings.

Centre Back:

Arran Pritchard (Llandudno):

One of the finest young defenders on the coast, Pritchard has quickly found his feet at Maesdu Park and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet for the league leaders.

A cultured presence at the back, Pritchard’s partnership with former Bury defender Richard Hinds has grown in stature as the season has progressed, ensuring the Tudno rearguard has conceded the second fewest amount of goals in the league.

The former Wrexham and Cefn Druids defender is still in the infancy of his career, and a career in the Welsh Premier League beckons if he continues to perform in the manner he has so far this season.

Centre Back:

Max Peate (Denbigh Town):

One of the cornerstones of Town’s all-conquering Welsh Alliance side last season, Peate has dealt with the step up in class with minimal fuss and his partnership with brother Nathan at the heart of the Denbigh rearguard has already established itself as one of the most reliable in the division.

A dominant presence in the air, Peate’s communication and motivational skills earned him a position as joint-caretaker manager at the club following Terry Ingram’s resignation.

He has taken this responsibility seriously and is now the heart of the Central Park club, who have one of the best team spirits in any league in North Wales.

One of the surprise packages of the season, Town will be reliant on Peate as the season progresses if they are to maintain their position in the top five.

Left Back:

Nathan Craig (Caernarfon Town):

Equally efficient at left-back or in midfield, Craig has proven his worth again for the Cofis this season with a number of fine performances.

The free-kick specialist is an intimidating presence, and has a deft touch that defies his size, contributing three goals to his side’s cause this season.

Craig, who has captained the club a number of times this season, is a former Everton and Torquay United player whose composure and communication skills have benefited the fourth-placed side tremendously this season.

Right Midfield:

Gareth Evans (Llandudno):

A summer arrival from Colwyn Bay, Evans has proved to be a valuable addition to Alan Morgan’s promotion candidates.

The gifted midfielder brings with him plenty of experience playing at a higher level, something that has benefited those around him tremendously and was something that was sorely missing at Maesdu Park last season.

Evans is already in double figures for the campaign, scoring 11 league goals for free-scoring Tudno, and his presence in the squad could be one of the key factors behind their promotion to the Welsh Premier League at the end of the season.

Centre Midfield:

Danny Hughes (Llandudno):

Cultured midfielder Hughes has arguably been the standout performer in the division so far this season, and has been the catalyst behind Llandudno’s success.

The former Rhyl star dictates play effortlessly from the centre of the park, displaying creativity and vision few players in the Alliance possess.

He has been the instigator behind three Tudno players already reaching double figures for the season, and he has also chipped in with seven goals of his own, making him one of the most influential players outside of Wales’ top division.

Centre Midfield:

Warren Duckett (Denbigh Town):

Former Bala Town midfielder Duckett has picked up where he left off for the Central Park outfit last season and has quickly emerged as one of the most dependable players at his position in the league.

Duckett’s experience has been a calming influence on a young Denbigh side this season as they look to find their feet in the Alliance, and his impressive first touch and awareness make sure possession is rarely wasted when he has control of the ball.

With seven goals already this term, this eyecatching start to the season could see a summer return to the Welsh Premier League for Duckett, who has proven he still has plenty to offer at the top level.

Left wing:

Jamie McDaid (Caernarfon Town):

Although injury has hampered the tricky winger over the last couple of weeks, McDaid enjoyed a sensational start to the season for the Canaries, enhancing his reputation as one of the brightest young prospects in North Wales football.

The former Bangor City youngster possesses electrifying pace and is already a composed finisher, typified in his five goal performance in the Cofis’ 10-0 victory over struggling Rhydymwyn earlier on in the season.

Manager Lee Dixon will be hoping McDaid returns to full fitness sooner rather than later, as his goals will be key to any hope they have of catching Llandudno and returning to the Welsh Premier League.

Striker:

Marc Evans (Llandudno):

Many thought that the signing of Evans would prove to be crucial to Tudno’s title aspirations this term, and the former Gwalchmai striker has so far proven what a valuable asset he is at this level.

Widely recognised as one of the deadliest finishers on the North Wales coast, Evans’ livewire nature inside the box and nerves of steel from the penalty spot have contributed 14 goals so far this season, and his partnership with Toby Jones is amongst the most deadly in the league.

It is Evans’ movement that sets him apart from most strikers in the Alliance, and his ability to finish half chances from nothing are a real asset to Llandudno, something they hope can continue in the second half of the season.

Striker:

Danny Barton (Guilsfield):

Even at the age of 40, Barton is still proving to be one of the deadliest finishers at this level, and the veteran striker is currently the division’s top scorer with 17 goals.

The former Caernarfon Town striker has been one of the main catalysts for Guilsfield’s success this season, and it is not just his exploits on the field that are contributing to the Guilsfield cause.

Barton has also take up the role of assistant manager, offering his experience to the younger members of the squad as they look to gatecrash the promotion party of fancied teams such as Llandudno.

While he may have lost some of his youthful pace, Barton has adjusted his game tremendously and still possesses the awareness and first touch to cause problems for any side in the league.

Despite being one of the oldest players in the Cymru Alliance, Barton is showing no signs of slowing down and is still causing nightmares for defenders across the region.