It has been a busy few days for Gwion Dafydd.
On Friday night, he was on the substitutes’ bench as The New Saints clinched the JD Cymru Premier title for a record 15th time. On Sunday, he captained TNS’ development team as they reached the FAW Youth Cup final. Now tonight, he could make an appearance for Cymru C in their international friendly against England C.
It encapsulates the whirlwind season that the 18-year-old has had since he joined The New Saints from Caernarfon Town last summer.
He has made seven appearances in the JD Cymru Premier this term and scored six goals – including a 95th-minute equaliser against title rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads in December less than a minute after coming off the bench.
It was against the same opponent that TNS secured the title on Friday and Dafydd was delighted to pick up his first piece of silverware at the club.
“It was my first title in senior football, since I joined TNS, it has always been our focus to win the league and now we want to finish the season well before looking ahead to the Champions League. I am pleased to have had game time and get a few goals to help the team.”
Gwion Dafydd
But while his team-mates were busy celebrating, the teenager was already thinking about TNS’ FAW Youth Cup semi-final against Flint Town United on Sunday.
In a frantic game, TNS trailed twice but a dramatic 96th-minute winner from Josh Roseberry-Beamond saw them win 4-3 and book their place in the final against Penybont.
“We made it hard for ourselves,” Dafydd admits. “We didn’t start very well, but we grew into the game and became more composed. I scored to make it 2-2 and then we went ahead for the first time. In the second half Flint were better again, but we fought to the last minute and got our reward in the end.”
The forward’s impressive performances at both senior and development team level caught the eye of Cymru C manager Mark Jones, who selected Dafydd in his 20-man squad for the international friendly against England.
The youngster admits that he was surprised to earn a call-up, but sees it as simply another opportunity to do what he loves.
“I am really enjoying my football,” he says. “This is the best period of my life at the moment because I am playing every day and being involved in games at the weekend. Being part of the first team at TNS has been a pleasure.
“I was buzzing when I heard the news that I had been selected for the C squad. I didn’t really expect it because of my age but I am really pleased to be here.”
Dafydd is joined by three of his TNS team-mates in the squad, while he also played alongside fellow teenager Josh Williams for the Welsh Schools’ FA. Next on his agenda is a cap at the J.Davidson Stadium.
“It is a really good group and everyone has been so welcoming since I arrived,” Dafydd says. “It would mean the world for me to play on Tuesday night at just 18 years old, but we will have to wait and see.”
