Preview: gap prepare for Sychdyn in North East Wales League showdown
gap Connah’s Quay Nomads U18s host CPD Sychdyn in the North East Wales League tomorrow, and we’ve been speaking to both managers ahead of the game.
Connah’s Quay could go top of the league with a victory over Sychdyn if current league leaders Mynydd Isa Spartans fail to win at Flint Mountain.
However, Sychdyn have already beaten Connah’s Quay in the reverse fixture, with the village outfit well placed to climb the table in eight with many games in hand over the rest of the league .
Despite their previous victory over Nomads and a 5-0 win last week, CPD Sychdyn manager Shaun Antrobus is not taking the game lightly.
“Even after last weeks impressive result, the team know from previous experience not to take gap for granted. Even though we have five games in hand over some of the teams at the top end of the table., making sure we continue to keep closing the gap on the early leaders will certainly motivate the lads.”
With Connah’s Quay a youth side in the adult North Wales East League, Antrobus notes their work rate and possession as a potential threat to his side.
“Each time we play gap we know it’s always going to be a tough test. Their work rate and quality on the ball followed by the possession style of game they play is always a daunting thought the night before. However we know that on our day we’re capable of competing against any team in this division.
“The age of the side changes my selection in some ways as I know that to compete we’re going to need a high work rate in the middle of the pitch, followed by discipline from our wide players.”
On his squad selection, the Sychdyn manager has been forced to make some changes but remains confident of a good occasion at the Quay 3G tomorrow.
“Unfortunately due to work commitments and a few injuries we have had to make a couple of changes. I’m sure the lads I’ve selected will make sure they give it everything which will make for a great game.”
Nomads’ manager Lee Woodward is eager to see an improvement in his side from their last meeting with Sychdyn, but like Antrobus appreciates the visiting team’s quality.
“We will be at home on the 3G for the reverse fixture against a very good Sychdyn team, wanting to overturn the loss against them earlier in the season. It will be great to see the difference in performance to gauge the physical development of my lads, many of whom are in their first year of senior football.
“In the first game Sychdyn were very strong and our lads struggled with this aspect so it will be good to see how far they’ve come. Great respect between both teams and it will be a cracking game! Be sure to look out for highlights as it will be recorded. “
The game kicks off at gap Connah’s Quay’s 3G facility at 2:00pm on Saturday 10 December.
