Cofis’ confidence high – both on and off the pitch
CAERNARFON Town face the biggest hurdle yet on their return to the Welsh Premier League when they host champions The New Saints this Friday at The Oval (7.45pm).
The Canaries have given a good account of themselves in cup ties against the Saints in recent years, but vital league points will be at stake in this latest meeting.
Caernarfon can take the field with plenty of confidence, having made it two wins out of three starts last Sunday with a 1-0 triumph at Cardiff Metropolitan.
Match-winner Nathan Craig sealed a superb victory at Cyncoed with a penalty late in the first half.
“That will send out a statement to the league,” said former Everton and Wales Under-21 midfielder Craig.
“Not many teams will come here and get a point, let alone a win this season. We showed our togetherness and willing to work for each other.”
Cofis manager Sean Eardley paid tribute to the fans who made the long trip to Cardiff in treacherous weather.
“The noise they generated picked everyone up,” said the manager. “Just to have a glance over my right shoulder and see them full in voice with the rain and with the wind, it was absolutely outstanding.
“On behalf of the players and the management thank you all very much for travelling all that way to support us.”
On the pitch, Sam Snaith shot wide in the early stages for the students, but Town settled and looked unlucky not to win a spot-kick when Danny Brookwell went down in the area.
Eliot Evans was not far off for the hosts before Caernarfon’s Gareth Evans robbed Dylan Rees, but the midfielder was thwarted when keeper Alex Lang saved at his feet.
Three minutes before the break, Joe Williams was felled in the box and Craig’s strike from the spot was too good for Lang.
Dan Spencer had a chance to equalise, but his attempt cleared the bar as well as keeper Alex Ramsay.
Caernarfon began the second half really well, Brookwell working his way into the box but missing narrowly before Evans blasted over.
Town had an opportunity for a sec- Picture: Paul Evans ond on 69 minutes when Brookwell played in Jamie Breese, but his effort from an angle was kept out by Lang.
With the Canaries defending magnificently, Met were unable to create a clear-cut opening and the final whistle blew on a well-deserved victory for Eardley’s men, who are learning fast what is required to win matches in the Welsh Premier.
The result lifted the Cofis up to fifth in the table.
Caernarfon: Alex Ramsay, Joe Williams, Nathan Craig, Clive Williams, Gareth Edwards (Rhys Roberts 62), Ryan Williams, Gareth Evans, Jamie Crowther, Jamie Breese (Ben Maher 80), Sion Bradley (Darren Thomas 67), Danny Brookwell. Subs: Kevin Roberts, Cai Jones.