FAW Championship Matchday 24 Review 2026: Surprises & Key Results

The 24th round of the FAW Championship in 2026 proved to be one of the most enthralling yet, packed with decisive results, high-scoring affairs, and unexpected twists. Holywell’s commanding 5-1 win over Denbigh Town was a highlight, reaffirming their ambitions at the top of the table. Meanwhile, tight contests like Penrhyncoch’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Llandudno kept the race for promotion fierce. Perhaps most dramatic was Gresford Athletic’s shock 1-0 victory over Holyhead Hotspur, disrupting the expected order. With goals flying in and surprises lurking, this round proved once again that consistency is elusive in this league, and no outcome can be taken for granted.

Our Prediction Scorecard: Hits and Misses

• Overall accuracy: 86% for 1X2, 86% for BTTS, and 86% for Over/Under, reflecting a strong round of predictions.
• Best predictions: We nailed the Holywell victory, Airbus UK’s clean sheet, and Llandudno’s win, demonstrating precise analysis on key fixtures.
• Areas for improvement: The Mold-Alexandra result and Under 2.5 goals in Gresford’s game proved more unpredictable, reminding us of football’s inherent chaos.

Most Notable Results: Deep Dive

Holywell 5-1 Denbigh Town

This was a resounding statement from Holywell, who dominated from start to finish. Our prediction favored over 2.5 goals and a Holywell win, both of which proved correct, reflecting their attacking prowess and Denbigh’s defensive frailty. A five-goal demolition showcases Holywell’s offensive firepower and positions them as serious contenders for the title, especially considering their recent form. Denbigh, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure to turn things around after such a heavy defeat.

Guilsfield 1-2 Mold Alexandra

Despite our prediction favoring Guilsfield, Mold pulled off a valuable away win. The game was tight, and the upset underscores Mold’s resilience and ability to secure crucial points on the road—critical in a league where home advantage often dominates. This result reshuffled the mid-table landscape and posed questions about Guilsfield’s consistency.

Penrhyncoch 2-3 Llandudno

Expectations leaned toward a Llandudno victory, which came true, but the close scoreline hints at a fiercely contested match. Llandudno’s ability to grind out results under pressure keeps them firmly atop the table, and their resilience in tight games has been a hallmark this season. Penrhyncoch’s spirited effort was a reminder that no game in this league is a walkover.

Biggest Surprises: When Predictions Went Wrong

• Gresford Athletic’s win over Holyhead Hotspur: Our prediction favored a Hotspur victory, but Gresford’s disciplined defensive display and a late winner changed the story—a classic upset that underscores the league’s unpredictability.
• Mold’s loss to Guilsfield: Breaking from expectations, Mold’s away game turned sour, proving that even form and high confidence can be overturned on matchday.

These results demonstrate that even with high confidence, football’s volatility keeps us on our toes—underscoring why predictions are a blend of analysis and luck.

Best Calls: Sharp Predictions

• Holywell’s win and over 2.5 goals: Both predicted with confidence, and both came through emphatically.
• Airbus UK’s clean sheet: We correctly forecasted their solid defense, which shut out Buckley Town 3-0.
• Llandudno’s narrow victory: Our projection of a win for the league leaders was spot on, reaffirming their consistency.

Standings Impact: How the Round Changed the Table

Holywell’s impressive win pushed them closer to the league leaders, reducing the gap to just 12 points behind Llandudno. Meanwhile, Gresford’s upset moved them up the table, potentially igniting a late push for promotion or a top-half finish. The standings now look more dynamic, with the top three separated by just 10 points, heightening the drama as we approach the final quarter of the season. The tight race for promotion and playoff spots is set to intensify, with every point crucial.

Looking Ahead: Next Fixtures & Predictions

As we gear up for the next round, the focus shifts to whether Holywell can sustain their form or if Llandudno will extend their lead. Key fixtures include Holywell facing a tough test against Mold and Llandudno’s match against Airbus UK, which could define the title race. Our prediction models will be fine-tuned to capture these unfolding narratives, but as always, expect surprises along the way in this fiercely competitive league.