A MUCH-LOVED footballer returned to the pitch for Bala Town last week – nearly two years after being diagnosed with a form of cancer.

Midfielder Danny Gosset played for the Lakesiders in their friendly match v fellow JD Cymru Premier side Cardiff Met Uni at Maes Tegid on Friday night.

The clubs squared off in a game split into four quarters which saw the Archers coming out on top 5-4 overall.

Gosset was able to return to the playing field during the match for the first time in around two years.

Players and officials gave the player a big round of applause as he made an emotional return to the field.

The 26-year-old, who is from Y Felinheli just outside Bangor, was diagnosed with B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on August 16, 2019, after initially suffering from a dull ache in his hip.

He then underwent courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before being given the ‘all clear’ in January last year.

The central midfielder joined Bala from Bangor City in 2018 and has also previously represented the likes of Rhyl, The New Saints and English Football League club Oldham Athletic, as well as the Cymru C squad.

Gosset had been a big part of The Lakesiders squad before having to miss the whole of last season following his diagnosis.

A Bala Town club statement said he “played brilliantly in the middle of the park” for the club in last Friday’s friendly – news which brought joy to many a football fan.

The question now is; can Gosset yet go on to play a role in the rest of Bala’s 20/21 JD Cymru Premier campaign? Manager Colin Caton certainly thinks so.

He said: “Danny is going to add to us massively. He’s like a new signing.

“His fitness levels are unbelievable especially when you consider what he’s been through. Confidence is the next step for him now, when he’s going into tackles with his hip and so on.

“He’s earned the respect of everyone here, not just for what he’s been through, but for his efforts in training and to get back out there.”

Bala Town sports therapist Ffiona Evans had helped Gosset discover he had the form of cancer at an early stage. She had encouraged the midfielder to go and have further tests taken.

He was then referred to the specialist bone unit at Gobowen, for further scans and a biopsy, resulting in the diagnosis.

JD Cymru Premier officials gave Ffiona the 2019/20 ‘Unsung Hero’ prize in recognition of her efforts.

Speaking after seeing him return to the pitch on Friday, Ffiona tweeted: “Emotional scenes but so so so good to see him back on that pitch.

“No one has worked harder than him in his rehab in order to get back. So chuffed for you Danny.”

The club's general secretary, finance director and licensing officer Ruth Crump added: "That was a proud moment for Danny, he was beaming and everybody else emotional.

"Total credit to the players of Cardiff met for joining in the round of applause."

Gosset himself added that it “felt really good to get back out there”.

Football at all levels in Wales, including the 2020/21 JD Cymru Premier campaign, was brought to a halt in December 2020 due to the latest Covid-19 restrictions put in place by the Welsh Government at that time.

But with ‘elite status’ having now been re-instated for top-flight clubs in Wales, Bala Town are set to return to league action against top-of-the-table The New Saints on Saturday.