The festive football season in Wales is heating up, with the JD Cymru Leagues bracing for a packed schedule of matches on December 26 and 27, 2025. As anticipation builds, the Football Association of Wales has confirmed the match officials for every fixture across the JD Cymru Premier, North, and South divisions—ensuring that every contest is set for fair play and high drama.
Let’s start at the top. The JD Cymru Premier, Wales’s top-flight league, features a slate of mouthwatering encounters. Barry Town United AFC is set to host Cardiff Met FC, with Jordan Harman taking the whistle as referee, supported by assistants Johnathon Bebee-Bryant and Ashley Davis, and Kris Hames as fourth official. Flint Town United FC welcomes Connah’s Quay Nomads FC, with John Jones in charge, while Haverfordwest County AFC faces Llanelli Town AFC, overseen by Alex McInch. Each match promises to bring its own flavor, but all eyes will be on the officials to keep proceedings in check.
Elsewhere in the Premier, Penybont FC squares off against Briton Ferry Llansawel FC, The New Saints FC clash with Bala Town FC, and Caernarfon Town FC take on Colwyn Bay FC. Every game has its own team of referees and assistants, meticulously appointed to handle the pressure of the holiday fixtures. With so much at stake—league positions, pride, and bragging rights—the officials’ roles are crucial.
But it’s not just the top tier that’s buzzing. The JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South divisions are equally poised for action, with every fixture receiving its own set of match officials. Flint Mountain FC will lock horns with Holywell Town FC, Holyhead Hotspur FC meet CPD Y Rhyl 1879 FC, and Llandudno FC go up against Buckley Town FC, among others. From Adam Herbert to Tomos Jones, referees across the country are preparing for a busy couple of days—no small feat given the intensity and unpredictability these leagues are known for.
Meanwhile, in the JD Cymru South, Cardiff Draconians FC take on Llantwit Major AFC with Sam Lloyd at the helm, and Ynyshir Albions FC face Cambrian United FC under the watchful eye of Tegid Richards. The list goes on, with each match carefully assigned its officials, underscoring the FAW’s commitment to professionalism and integrity at every level of the Welsh game.
As the fixtures approach, another storyline is capturing the attention of fans and pundits alike: the race for North Wales’s top goal scorer. The weekend before December 23 brought plenty of excitement, with Cian Pritchard making headlines for his new club, CPD Pwllheli. Pritchard, who had already netted 18 times for Penrhyndeudraeth earlier in the campaign, found the back of the net again for Pwllheli, lifting his season tally to 19 goals. Despite his efforts, Pwllheli suffered a tough 7-3 defeat to Llannefydd on Saturday, December 20. No doubt, Pritchard will be disappointed with the result, but his personal scoring form remains a bright spot.
The North Wales senior football scoring charts are as competitive as ever. At the summit, Meilir Williams of Llanuwchllyn (Ardal North East) and Harry Massey of Overton Recreational (North East Wales Division 2) share top billing with 32 goals apiece—an incredible feat as the season nears its mid-point. Hot on their heels is Ryan Carrington (CPD Caerwys) with 23 goals, while Tom Hilditch of Trearddur Bay and Corrig McGonigle of Bangor are locked on 21 goals each, sharing third spot in the rankings.
Jamie McDaid of Menai Bridge Tigers also made headlines, notching his 20th goal of the season in a 2-0 victory over Talysarn Celts. According to the latest tallies, McDaid is just the sixth player in North Wales senior football to reach the 20-goal mark this season—a testament to his consistency and attacking prowess.
Other notable scorers include Jacob Jones (Kinmel Bay), Liam Bowers (Rhuddlan Town), and Cian Pritchard himself, all sitting on 19 goals. Byron Davis (CPD Y Felinheli) and Sam Bryan (Gresford Athletic Development) are close behind with 18 each, while a cluster of players are nipping at their heels, including Osian Hughes, Michael Latham, Zac Davies, Joe Mitchell, Jamie Breese, and Alfie Harrison, all with 17 goals as of December 16, 2025.
Looking back at recent seasons, the North Wales leagues have witnessed some remarkable scoring feats. Meilir Williams led the charts in the 2024-25 campaign with 49 goals, while Harrison Bellis bagged a jaw-dropping 68 in 2023-24. Go back to 2022-23, and Asa Thomas of Trearddur Bay notched a staggering 75 goals. These numbers provide context for the current race and the high bar set by past sharpshooters.
But it’s not just about individual glory. The upcoming fixtures across the JD Cymru Leagues will see these goal scorers put their talents to the test in matches that could shape the rest of the season. With every team eager to secure points during the festive period, the pressure is on both players and officials. Will the leading scorers add to their tallies, or will defenders and referees steal the spotlight with resolute performances and decisive calls?
For fans, these holiday matches offer a feast of football, with storylines unfolding at every ground. The FAW’s thorough appointment of match officials ensures that each game is set for fair and competitive action. From the Premier’s title chasers to the lower division battlers, everyone has something to fight for as 2025 draws to a close.
The match official appointments also serve as a reminder of the vital role referees and assistants play in the beautiful game. Without their dedication and professionalism, the spectacle of Welsh football simply wouldn’t be possible. For those inspired by the action, the FAW even offers a Referee Award program, encouraging new generations to take up the whistle and join the ranks of Welsh football’s unsung heroes.
As the JD Cymru Leagues’ festive fixtures approach, the stage is set for drama, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises. Whether you’re following the race for the golden boot, cheering on your local club, or keeping an eye on the men and women in black, there’s no shortage of intrigue across Welsh football this holiday season. With so much at stake—goals, glory, and bragging rights—the next few days promise to be unforgettable for players, officials, and supporters alike.
With the match officials locked in and the top scorers raring to go, Welsh football fans have plenty to look forward to as the year wraps up. The action is about to begin, and if recent weeks are any indication, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll emerge as the stars of the festive fixtures.
