Cup kings Cambrian look to keep their run going
WELSH LEAGUE
THE Nathaniel Cars Cup takes centre stage in the Welsh League calendar this weekend and Cambrian and Clydach – the team of the season so far in the Welsh domestic cup competitions – are away at Undy Athletic.
A Corey Sheppard goal on Tuesday evening at Cambrian saw the Rhondda club through to the Welsh Premier League’s MG Cup semi-finals as they defeated Newtown by 1-0.
Dane Williams’ side have now defeated Barry Town, Aberystwyth and the Robins of Newtown to make the last four where they will host the mighty The New Saints.
The three Welsh Premier sides Williams’ young guns have knocked out are all currently in the top six of the top flight which makes their giant-killing run even more remarkable.
Almost every player has made their way into the first team through the Cambrian and Clydach academy system which is without doubt one of the most successful youth set-ups in Wales.
Williams took over the Cambrian hot-seat this season after assisting Craig Hughes.
Hughes has now taken a role within the committee and is still a very big part of the community club.
Ex-Cambrian midfielder Lee Matthews is Williams’ number two and boasts a wealth of Welsh Premier and Welsh League experience.
“It would be fantastic to make the final, but our ultimate aim is to get our club into the Welsh Premier,” said Williams.
“I believe the Rhondda has been without a club in the top league for too long, and the area needs to be in the top flight of Welsh football.”
Welsh League table-toppers Penybont travel to Cwmamman United in cup action and will find their opponents a tough nut to crack at home.
Haverfordwest will welcome Llantwit Major to their New Bridge Meadow Stadium and Karl Lewis’ Vale of Glamorgan team will do well to make the fourth round against Wayne Jones’ Bluebirds.
Port Talbot Town are on home soil against Aberbargoed Buds in a first against second division clash.
Mark Pike’s Steelmen will look for a victory to help rejuvenate their poor season so far.
Dale Gardiner’s STM Sports will host Garden Village at their University of Llanrumney ground with a 1.30pm kick-off, which is a footnote that games without floodlights will all start then in case of extra time.
There is a keen contest between two third division clubs where Pontyclun host Penydarren Boys and Girls Club at Ivor Park.
In the Welsh League first division, Taffs Well host Ton Pentre at Rhiw Dda with a 2pm start.
Both clubs are on five points from eight games played, so this is definitely an early-season ‘six-pointer.’
In the second division, John Jones’ Bridgend Street travel to top of the table Croesyceiliog.
The league leaders will no doubt prove a stern test for the men from The Willows.’
Caerau Ely host AFC Llwydcoed at Cwrt Y Ala, while Dinas Powys will look to build on their 1-1 draw at Risca last week when they host Caldicot Town at The Murch.
Ely Rangers host Penrhiwceiber Rangers at Station Road this evening (7.30pm) in the third division, while top-of-the-table Trethomas Bluebirds welcome Albion Rovers in a top v bottom encounter tomorrow at Ystrad Mynach.