Well what a year 2019 has been. Tier 2 status retained, promotion gained, competition won for the first time and we come home! A busy year to say the least, but one we can look back on with great pride.

2019 started with a tough run for the first team. January saw 4 defeats on the bounce against teams that were in and around us - it wasn't the greatest of starts and we started to slide down the table. The reserves continues to go from strength to strength. Indeed the won all 14 league games of the second half of the season. The only downside of January for the reserves was a defeat away to Bow Street Res in the Emrys Morgan Cup.

February saw a change in fortunes for the first team. 10 points out of 12 took us to 31 points and take us to the verge of safety. Victories against Denbigh, Penrhyncoch and Ruthin were excellent and another great point away at Gresford saw a big change in fortunes. The reserves continued their unbeaten run - a 4-0 victory against neighbours Llanwddyn the highlight.

March again was a tough month for the first team with defeats against Conwy and Prestatyn. Things were again getting tight at the bottom of the table. The reserves won their 3 league games against Four Crosses Res, Llanfechain and Abermule Res - the league title was becoming a two horse race between the reserves and Trefonen. Both sides were winning their games and the upcoming game between the two looked like the decider.

April saw the club submit their paperwork to retain Tier 2 status. The last three games of the league campaign for the first team saw two defeats and a draw. The away game at Denbigh saw a heavy defeat. The game was notable for a group from the club sitting in the away dugout following twitter waiting for the Penrhyncoch result. After what seemed an eternity the result came through that ensured we couldn't end up in the bottom 3! Some achievement. The reserves continued their unbeaten league run and on a Thursday night in Llan they firmly beat title rivals Trefonen 3-0 in front of a bumper crowd. The club also progressed to the final of the Montgomeryshire and Central Wales Cups. What a month!

May - the club received the great news that they had gained the Tier 2 licence. Again this was some achievement for a small village when larger towns had applied and failed. The reserves finally received the 2nd division title after the last game of the season and partied (hard!!!!). The first of May also saw the club win the Montgomeryshire Cup for the first time in their history - goals from Iwan Matthews, Dan Weaver and Khyam Wyton secured the trophy. Unfortunately three days later the club were unable to repeat the result against Berriew in the final of the Central Wales Cup, eventually losing on penalties.

While all of this was going on, there was lots of work going on in Tanllan to ensure that we were able to come back home. 200 extra seats were erected, the pitch was widened and toilets were fitted in all changing rooms. In June, after a large amount of hard work the club received the news that Tanllan had passed the ground inspection and Tier 2 football was going to be played once again at Llan - again a massive achievement.

July saw a momentous day in the club's history - the opening of the new stand. We would like to thank our neighbours from over the Berwyn Mountains, Bala Town for agreeing to come over and play in the game. It was great to see so many former players come along and join in the celebrations. A big shout out also to the former players who donned their boots again to play in the Legends v Reserves game. A great day was had by all.

The new season started in August. The first team made a great start to the new league campaign - by the end of September they had gained 19 points, and at one stage they were in second place in the league! The reserves also made a great start on their return to the 1st division of the Amateur league. The won their first silverware of the season when they were joint winners of the Tegwyn Evans Shield (the annual game between the champions of the 1st and 2nd divisions). October proved difficult for both sides. Indeed the reserves have not played during November and December. They will be itching for a dry spell as they look to get back on track in the new year. They are well placed in the league table (3rd) and they will be looking to progress in the cup competitions.

November and December have seen the first team flourish again. They have ended the year on a 6 game unbeaten run and find themselves in 4th in the league. A total of 33 points after 18 games is some effort. I'm sure though that they are looking forward to pushing on and seeing what can be achieved.

So 2019 has been some year! We would like to thank all of our players, managers, committee, supporters and helpers for their continued support. Without you all none of this would be possible. We look forward to 2020 and what lies ahead.

Diolch yn fawr iawn.

#comeonLlan