Biggest game in 29 years awaits Caernarfon side
CAERNARFON Town boss Iwan Williams insists his players fully believe they can cause a big upset in this Saturday’s Welsh Cup semi-final clash with Bala Town at Rhyl’s Corbett Sports Stadium (5.15pm).
Labelled the Canaries’ biggest game in 29 years, the Huws Gray Alliance underdogs have a massive task on their hands as they prepare to take on opponents currently lying second in the Welsh Premier League.
It will be Caernarfon’s first Welsh Cup semi-final appearance since 1987/88, when they lost over two legs to eventual competition winners Cardiff City.
Neither the Canaries or Bala have ever reached the final of Wales’ premier national knockout, so a special first is in store for one of Saturday’s combatants.
The tie will be shown live on S4C, with the other semi between gap Connah’s Quay and holders The New Saints taking place at Bangor City earlier in the afternoon.
Caernarfon will have fond memories of their last meeting with Bala, who they beat 2-1 at The Oval in last season’s Word Cup.
Town have knocked out two WPL sides already during their current Welsh Cup run in Carmarthen Town and Rhyl.
Canaries manager Williams began a three-match suspension on March 23, which includes all media activity during the ban.
Williams spoke to the Herald before the suspension kicked in last Friday.
“Preparation thus far for our biggest game in recent history has been very good,” he said.
“The players are eager to do everything they can to try and cause another upset in this competition.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this is the toughest test I’ve had since becoming manager at this football club.
“(Manager) Colin (Caton) has built a fantastic squad at Bala and the success he’s brought over recent years is testament of the work he’s done at the club in order to make it grow the way it has done.
“Bala have shown everyone what is possible. Not long ago they were in the exact position as us in the Cymru Alliance battling it out to try and gain entry into the Welsh Premier League, and nowadays they’re disappointed if they don’t qualify for the Europa League.
“Bala deserve credit and respect for their achievements, however we will go into the game with belief and desire to try and win. We have been slowly peaking with performance levels of late,.
“Of course, preparation will be key for us again and next (this) week we will train twice on shape and our game plan of how to try and nullify the threats Bala possess.
“Unfortunately I’ll be suspended which means I’m unable to even enter the dressing room before, during or after the match or even conduct any interviews to any means of media. This is something I’m bitterly disappointed about.
“That being said, April 1 isn’t about me, it’s about the players. We are massive underdogs which means we can go to Rhyl to enjoy the occasion as the pressure is well and truly off.
“However I don’t want us to just turn up and make up the numbers, that is not what we’re about. The key word for the next week or so is belief. We have to believe and we will believe.”