Striking duo have Wales talking
Wednesday 23 January 2008
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Two of the most prolific goalscorers to grace the Welsh Premier League have dominated the headlines so far in 2008. Marc Lloyd Williams, the all-time leading marksman, has joined his sixth top-flight club while Rhys Griffiths has committed his future to Llanelli AFC.
European ambition
Lloyd Williams, whose current goals total stands at 271 from 345 appearances (plus 39 as substitute), made a surprise switch to link up with Rhyl FC from Newtown AFC where, even at the advanced age of 34, he had demonstrated that his appetite for goals was as keen as ever. He had scored an impressive 16 times from 20 games but found the chance to fight for a European place with the north Wales club too good to turn down.
'Title ambitions'
"I was really enjoying my time at Newtown and the only difference in me signing was the fact that Rhyl still have title ambitions and I'd love to play in Europe again," said Lloyd Williams. "I've played five or six times before [in Europe] but I've also missed out a couple of times and want to make up for that."
Hot pursuit
The former Bangor City FC and The New Saints FC striker might have to keep lacing his boots for a few more seasons, though, if he is going to retain his coveted status as the league's all-time leading marksman for a long time to come. Griffiths is in hot pursuit and an astonishing run of 16 goals in his last eight appearances – including successive hat-tricks – has hoisted his total of league goals to 117 from 166 starts. That is a strike rate of 0.60 per appearance compared with Lloyd Williams' 0.70, but at Griffiths' current rate of progress he could well overtake his more senior rival one day.
Tight at the top
His two goals in his last outing, a 5-0 defeat of Llangefni Town FC, meant that Griffiths equalled last season's 30 league goal total which earned him the Golden Boot award. His prowess inside the penalty box has been crucial in helping Llanelli keep pace with TNS at the top of the table; just two points separate them with third-place Rhyl a further nine points behind.
Swiss experiment
The 27-year-old has attracted attention beyond the Welsh borders and recently spent a week on trial with Swiss Super League club FC Aarau. With his contract due to expire in the summer Llanelli were worried they would lose their star man but with the turn of the year came the announcement that Griffiths had signed a two-year contract extension. "It's great news that the chairman has backed me over Rhys," said Llanelli manager Peter Nicholas. "I never wanted him to leave, especially as he is scoring goals for fun at present."
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