Novira Cymru Leagues latest: Penybont bolster attack as Bangor City 1876 bring in veteran goalkeeper

All of the latest news from across the Novira Cymru Leagues with plenty of talking points emerging from the opening two rounds of fixtures of the 2026/27 season.

NOVIRA CYMRU PREMIER

John Disney believes new signing Rhys Watson can follow in the footsteps of former Nomads Kit Margetson and Jacob Cook in representing Wales at Under-21 level.

The 19-year-old left-sided defender arrives from Stockport County and has featured for Wales at Under-18 and Under-19 level.

“Rhys has fantastic natural attributes and has developed his game at Stockport, breaking all the way into the first team whilst he was there,” said Disney.

“He’s someone that I have had an eye on since the end of last season and he understands the opportunity that playing in a senior environment brings. He is exactly the profile of player that we are looking to sign to boost our full-time model, whilst also having a real desire to do well individually and help the club continually develop.

“He’s aware of Kit Margetson and Jacob Cook’s international call-ups for the Welsh youth teams and we are confident he can be the next player for us to represent Wales in those next camps.”

Penybont have strengthened their goalscoring options with the arrival of Tyler Walker. Walker — the son of former England and Nottingham Forest defender Des Walker — becomes the latest ambitious signing for Rhys Griffiths’ side, with Nottingham Forest, Mansfield Town, Lincoln City, Coventry City, Portsmouth and Barrow among his former clubs.

Haverfordwest County have moved to turn Inverness Caledonian Thistle defender Jack Walker’s stay at the Bridge Meadow Stadium into a permanent one, following a successful trial spell. The 20-year-old featured throughout pre-season for the Bluebirds and joins the club on a full-time basis as part of their new hybrid model.

“Jack comes to us after several years at Inverness CT. He has spent the last five weeks training full-time with us, and has done extremely well,” said manager Tony Pennock. “It’s never easy moving to a new club, never mind the distance involved in this instance.

“Jack is another ambitious young player determined to succeed. He has shown the attributes needed and we look forward to working with him this season.”

Former County wide-man Harrie Rowe has returned to Welsh football with Novira Cymru Premier newcomers Ammanford AFC. Rowe’s last spell in Wales was with Aberystwyth Town in 2020, and he returns after playing in the United States.

Flint Town United have made the double signing of striker Temi Ajibola and central defender Namory Kane. Italian-born Ajibola began his career at Parma’s academy and joins from Finn Harps. Namory’s previous clubs include Fisher FC and Cray Wanderers.

Talented youngster Leon Hughes has put pen to paper with Llandudno following his departure from Shrewsbury Town. The midfielder made his debut in last weekend’s 4-0 triumph over Trefelin, and Jordan Hadaway believes Hughes has all the credentials to succeed in his new surroundings: “He’s a very talented young player and has an attitude that any coach would be looking for. I’m really looking forward to working with him and, more importantly, seeing him develop whilst he is with us.”

Jake Canavan has returned for a second spell with Caernarfon Town having departed The New Saints. The 22-year-old was previously on loan with the Cofis in 2024/25 and featured last season for Flint Town United.

Cardiff Met have handed New Zealander defensive midfielder Bailey Gaughan a one-year deal after he impressed on trial. “I’m really excited to be playing in the Cymru Premier. It’s far more professionalised than domestic football back home, and I’m really looking forward to the challenge that comes with it and the new experience,” said the 22-year-old.

Goalkeeper Louie Fallon has completed a loan move to Airbus UK from Altrincham Town, and Holywell Town have moved to sign Bala Town attacking midfielder Dominic McGiveron.

NOVIRA CYMRU NORTH

Newtown manager Jay Owen says he wasted no time in moving for Caerau Ely’s Harrison Lewis after being alerted of his availability. Harrison made 26 appearances for the Novira Cymru South side last season but was brought to Owen’s attention after relocating this summer.

“As soon as we found out he was moving back to the area, we were really keen to bring him in. He has massive potential, great attributes and strengthens us as a team,” said Owen.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for Newtown. It’s a massive club which has really impressed me since the moment I arrived, and I can’t wait to put on the red shirt and push for the league with the boys,” added Lewis.

Penrhyncoch have bolstered their squad with four new arrivals. Jakyb Michalski joins the Roosters from Lampeter FC, while also moving to Cae Baker are Buckley Town midfielder Marcus Yakou and 17-year-olds Steffan Davies (from Newtown) and Will Evans (from Builth Wells).

Gresford continue to add to their squad with a host of new arrivals. Euan Caus, Ali Basra, Joshua Sewell-Davies, Aiden Caldy, Owen Payne and Sammy Lestrange all arrive at Clappers Lane.

Having led Holywell Town to promotion last season, veteran shot-stopper John Danby has joined Bangor City 1876.

Elsewhere, former Shrewsbury Town youngster Findlay Starkey-Jones makes the switch from Newtown to Denbigh Town, and James Farr has joined Bala Town from Rhyl 1879.

NOVIRA CYMRU SOUTH

Trethomas Bluebirds have announced the signing of 38-year-old goalkeeper Steven Cann. “He’s a proven shot-stopper; his presence and stature between the sticks will strengthen the squad immensely,” said a club statement.

Newport City have moved for full-back Dafydd Owen, who arrives from Llangenior, whilst Jonnah Williams and Drew Heffernan also join the Steelmen from Cardiff Met and Abertillery Bluebirds respectively.

Finally, winger Rio Dyer has cut short a brief spell with Afan Lido to join Tier 4 outfit Llandarcy.