IT has been another fantastic season in the Huws Gray Alliance, which eventually saw Airbus Broughton securing the title after dominating the summit throughout.

Sports reporter Dean Jones brings you his second-tier team of the season, in addition to some individual awards.

Goalkeeper: Mike Jones (Guilsfield)

This season has been one of redemption for Jones, who has looked to recapture his form at numerous high-profile cubs across the region before finally finding a home with the Guils.

There has been no doubting his quality over the years even if his confidence has taken a hit at places such as Prestatyn Town and Caernarfon Town, but Jones has demonstrated his class once again this term and has played a leading role in another high finish for the club.

Defenders:

Steve Tomassen (Airbus Broughton)

The gifted centre half has once again proven why he is one of the best defenders operating outside of the top fight, and Tomassen will get the chance to showcase his skills in the WPL with the Wingmakers next season after captaining them to a double this time around.

He is a tremendous communicator both on and of the pitch, and his positioning has been another standout feature of his overall contribution to the side.

Dave Hayes (Prestatyn Town)

The Seasiders’ legend made a sensational return to the club after a brief retirement this summer, and this decision has proven to be very wise given the quality and consistency of his performances this season.

Although he is now in the twilight of his career, Hayes is still one of the best organisers and overall defenders operating at this level, and he has also chipped in with some valuable goals for Neil Gibson’s side throughout the campaign.

Ceri James (Porthmadog)

Once a classy midfielder to dictated tempo, James was asked to move into a centre half position by manager Craig Papirnyk this season and it is a role which he has thrived in.

He is a commanding presence in the air and has a great knowledge of the game that allows him to anticipate danger, with James’ ability to control possession from a defensive position has played a significant part in another impressive campaign at Y Traeth.

Midfield:

Jordan Piggott (Bangor City)

Piggott, through no fault of his own, was thrust into a more senior position at the Citizens following a host of high-profile departures, and he has simply thrived with the extra responsibility during the second half of the season.

He has been a key contributor for Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s men in either defence of a holding midfield role, with his energy and quality of delivery really coming across during a series of exceptional performances this term.

Mark Cadwallader (Flint Town United)

The Silkmen have enjoyed an outstanding season and Cadwallader has been an enormous part of that, demonstrating the sort of quality that has further enhanced his claims of being the best player plying his trade in the second tier.

He has arguably been the league’s top performing this season and has been unplayable at times, and his decision-making in the final third is undoubtedly Welsh Premier quality.

James Murphy (Rhyl)

While it might have been a season of relative underachievement at the Lilywhites, Murphy has cemented his place as one of the league’s best wide men and has provided some memorable moments for the club this season.

His direct running style and tireless commitment to defending from the front have been key features of his overall influence within the side, and if he can improve on the finishing aspect of his game then Eddie Maurice-Jones will have a dangerous player on his hands next season.

Joe Palmer (Airbus Broughton)

The talented teenager has proven age is no barrier this season with a consistency that defies his relative inexperience.

To be such a huge part of a double-winning Airbus side is a testament to Palmer’s natural ability and the confidence he has to get on the ball and makes things environment against older and vastly more experienced opposition.

Forwards:

Corrig McGonigle (Conwy Borough)

There are many that questioned whether McGonigle’s prolific goalscoring form in the Welsh Alliance would make the transition to the second tier, but he has proven his doubters wrong with another clinical campaign that has further enhanced his growing reputation on the domestic scene.

He is a composed presence in front of goal and also possesses a real threat from set-pieces, and the experience of playing for a prolonged period at this level is going to do wonders for his overall development going forward.

Asa Hamilton (Airbus Broughton)

It is difficult to overstate the overall impact Hamilton has had on the Wingmakers, whether it be on the field or within the dressing room.

The powerful centre forward was the missing piece in the jigsaw and has provided a physicality and presence at the business end of the field that the club was sorely missing last season.

Llyr Morris (Ruthin Town)

After turning down a host of offers in the summer, Morris picked up where he left off and clinched the Huws Gray Alliance’s top scorer honour for the second consecutive season.

He is nothing short of a menace for opposing defenders and to reach the 20-goal mark for two seasons’ straight in no small feat whatsoever.

Notable mentions: Ben Jones (Gresford Athletic), Paul Pritchard (Porthmadog), Ben Nash (Rhyl), Sam Hart (Flint Town United/Airbus Broughton), Tom Kemp (Flint Town United), Asa Hamilton (Airbus Broughton), Ryan Edwards (Airbus Broughton), Alex Boss (Bangor City), Dan Roberts (Prestatyn Town), Jack Chaloner (Gresford Athletic), Griff John (Porthmadog), Paul Williams (Holywell Town), Phill Molyneux (Buckley Town), Richie Foulkes (Flint Town United), Lewis Buckley (Airbus Broughton), Chris Cathrall (Guilsfield), Sion Edwards (Porthmadog), Shaun Cavanagh (Porthmadog), Robbie Parry (Bangor City), Kevin Evans (Ruthin Town), Mark Roberts (Denbigh Town), Tom Bailey (Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant), Brady McGilloway (Airbus Broughton), Brandon Burrows (Flint Town United), Adam Eden (Buckley Town).

Manager of the Year: Marc Griffiths/Graham Evans (Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochant)

Many, including myself, largely wrote off the prospects of the newly promoted side at the start of the season, but they embraced the challenge of underdogs and secured their second-tier status for next season in convincing fashion.

Griffiths and Evans deserve an enormous amount of credit for their ability to adjust to each tactical difficulty against the more high-profile sides this season, and the former has also been a valuable asset on the pitch during a very successful campaign overall.

Player of the Year: Mark Cadwallader (Flint Town United)

As stated previously, Cadwallader has bene one of the league’s shining lights this season and it is doubtful that Niall McGuinness’ men would have achieved second spot without him.

He seems to be improving with every passing season and it would be a huge shock if a top-flight side did not make him an offer this summer.

Young Player of the Year: Joe Palmer (Airbus Broughton)

Palmer is thoroughly deserving of the Young Player of the Year distinction for the reasons previously stated, and there are few players with a brighter future within the domestic game than him if he continues to progress at his current rate.

Team of the Year: Airbus Broughton

What more can be said about the season that was for the Wingmakers? Their all-conquering start saw them secure a commanding advantage that they never relinquished despite a rocky period during the turn of the year.

A league and cup double is a rare feat and one that should be celebrated, and it will be interesting to see how the fare back amongst the Welsh football elite next season.