'I'm old enough to be a grandfather to two or three of them'

Marc Lloyd Williams rolled back the years as the Cymru Premier's all-time leading scorer by marking his comeback with a goal at the age of 53.

Twelve years since he retired, Williams was among the scorers for Llanberis as they beat Amlwch Town 8-0 in the first qualifying round of the Welsh Cup.

Williams played for several clubs in Welsh football's top-flight, most notably Bangor City, where he had five spells and won the Welsh Cup and Cymru Premier.

He also played in the EFL for Stockport County, York City and Halifax Town.

But he returned to action with his home village team where it had all began as a teenager in the 1980s.

"That's where it started. Llanberis," said Williams, talking about the club that play in the North Wales Coast League Premier Division, Welsh football's fourth tier.

"I was staying at my mother's in Llanberis a couple of times a week with work so I thought I'd join in with pre-season.

"I was looking quite sharp and the lads were asking 'why don't you sign on?' so I thought I might as well.

"Five days before the Welsh Cup game I played in a friendly.

"I played about 60-70 minutes and felt ok and felt sharp, although felt a bit stiff for two or three days after.

"They asked if I was available for the Welsh Cup and I said yes.

"I've still got a lot of friends there and it's nice to help out and put something back. I wouldn't have signed for anyone else.

"You go back to your roots and it's nice to put on the black and amber shirt.

"Someone said 'you've got to do a song because you're a new signing' I said 'I signed before you were born!'

"I'm old enough to be a grandfather to two or three of them because they are in college.

"I played one or two games for them in the Welsh Cup when I was a youngster, around 15/16 and I can't recall scoring a goal for them in the Welsh Cup.

"So it was nice to bag one in the Cup."

Williams remains very much involved with football – he is head coach of the Welsh Schools team and is a pundit for BBC Wales and S4C.

But his return to action on the pitch would not have happened had he not taken part in the London Marathon in April

"I'd been training for the London Marathon, so I was still quite fit," said Williams.

"If I hadn't been training for the marathon over the past year then I wouldn't have been in any shape, way or form to run around a football field

"I've maintained my fitness levels after the marathon – I haven't stopped with the running.

"But it's different when you've got to start twisting and turning and then accelerate and decelerate.

"So it does take its toll on the joints and the muscles in a different way."

Williams, nicknamed Jiws, missed out on a spot in next year's London Marathon, but hopes to take part again in a few years time.

He will continue to do 10k runs and half marathons to "keep in shape" and he has no intention of hanging up his football boots just yet either.

"I never officially retired – I just wasn't selected by any squad," joked Williams, who also made a substitute's appearance for Llanberis in their midweek league game at Cemaes Bay.

"I've said when, and if available and if they [Llanberis] want me to be part of the squad then I'm more than happy to help out.

"I have seen and read that a few other older players have seen what I've done and think 'I can still play.'

"If it inspires some people to get back on that health trail and fitness then all be it."