The 2025/26 JD Cymru North Team of the Season was announced at the FAW National League Awards in association with Morgans Consult, on Saturday, 16 May.
For the first time, supporters were invited to vote for the Team of the Season, with the final selections determined by a combination of public votes and an independent panel to ensure a balanced outcome.
The final XI includes four players from champions Llandudno, three players apiece from runners-up Airbus UK Broughton and third-placed Holywell Town, while Rhyl 1879 also have one representative in the side.
JD Cymru North 2025/26 Team of the Season
GK: Keighan Jones (Airbus UK Broughton)
Jones missed just four league games and kept an impressive 16 clean sheets in 26 appearances. Having previously been part of Airbus’ JD Cymru Premier squad, including a UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign as a substitute, he has now established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, earning promotion as a key figure.
RB: Tyler McManus (Airbus UK Broughton)
A contender for the JD Cymru North Young Player of the Season, McManus played a key role in a defence that finished with the joint-best record in the division. He made 28 appearances and contributed five assists from right-back.
CB: Iwan Cartwright (Llandudno)
A summer signing following his spell with Caernarfon Town, Cartwright was a commanding presence at the heart of a defence that conceded the joint-fewest goals in the league. He also added two goals over the course of the campaign.
CB: Anthony Stephens (Llandudno)
Another key part of Llandudno’s rock-solid defence, Stephens comes from a footballing family, with his brother and two cousins also turning out for the club. Alongside his defensive work, he contributed two goals and seven assists in 23 appearances, showcasing his threat from set pieces.
LB: Danny Sullivan (Holywell Town)
The Wellmen’s captain led by example throughout the season. The 35-year-old contributed five goals and four assists, with his experience and leadership proving invaluable both on and off the pitch.
CM: Ben Maher (Llandudno)
Since joining in January 2025, Maher has added steel and consistency to the midfield. He made 25 appearances, scoring twice, and provided grit in the centre of the park.
CM: Kieran Smith (Llandudno)
After briefly retiring from Bala Town in 2024, where he featured in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, Smith returned to football in 2025 with Llandudno. He made 27 appearances, scoring once and assisting twice, providing crucial protection in front of the back line in a side that recorded the joint-best defensive record.
CM: Ben Lightfoot (Rhyl 1879)
Lightfoot was a key figure in Rhyl 1879’s impressive fifth-place finish in their debut season at this level, as well as their run to the JD Welsh Cup semi-finals. He contributed five goals and four assists in 28 league appearances.
RW: Craig Lindfield (Holywell Town)
A summer signing from title-winning Colwyn Bay, Lindfield brought pedigree and delivered immediately. He finished the campaign with 21 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances.
ST: Jamie Breese (Holywell Town)
The JD Cymru North Golden Boot winner enjoyed a standout season, scoring 24 goals in 28 games. He arrived to get the club ‘back where they belonged’ and winning the Golden Boot, he’s done both, as he signs off.
LW: George Peers (Airbus UK Broughton)
Peers was a strong contender for Player of the Season after a superb campaign in front of goal. He scored 23 of Airbus’ 93 league goals and also contributed 10 assists, playing a major role in the side with the most goals in the division.
