Shaw says Briton Ferry are in a good position for end of season run
With 13 games to go for Briton Ferry Llansawel, the Neath based side currently occupy the second promotion spot to Division One.
Ferry Llansawel who were relegated due to two South Wales based sides coming down to Division One are in good stead for bouncing back from the heartbreak. Manager Carl Shaw oversaw that relegation which saw four teams relegated.
Most recently, on their attempt to return to Division One, they recorded a 3-2 victory over West End with Rob Cann scoring a last minute winner, Shaw spoke of how the dressing room was and how it has improved preparation for their fixture against AFC Porth, a side close to Briton Ferry in the table, as the sides battle it out for promotion.
“The dressing room was buzzing, it’s always good to get a last minute winner. It was probably unfair on West End but going there and getting the 3 points is always difficult, so we were chuffed.
I’ve got a full squad to my disposal, apart from Steve Hughes who is on holiday. The boys trained well on Wednesday and are looking forward to Saturday, that’s what last minute winner does for the squad. “
Saturday’s opponents Porth got the best of Briton Ferry earlier on in the season when they recorded a 2-1 home victory over Shaw’s side. Shaw says the defeat won’t come into his mind as the two sides prepare to battle again but said that the game was a great advertisement for the standard of the Welsh League Division Two.
“I’m not really looking too much into the defeat, in fact up to that point it was the best we have played, so I was happy with our performance up there. We missed a penalty and a few chances and unfortunately Porth took theirs. That game was a great advert for Division Two football. “
In recent weeks, Briton Ferry recorded an away victory over Pontypridd Town who are also in the mix for promotion, wins like that could put Briton Ferry in a good position come the end of the season as the other sides play catch up on a congested fixture list.
“It’s important to pick up points against those around you and those who are in the same boat, in looking for promotion. I think it will be very tight come the end of the season, we are currently in a good position, so hopefully we can carry on our form until the end of the season, so we can get back to Division 1.”
The goalscorer that day against Pontypridd came from enigmatic midfielder Tom Da Silva who has set the world alight at Old Road this season.
“Tom has done well for us since joining, he can play either side or through the middle so it gives us more options. He is a good player and always puts a shift in for the team, he will be important for us between now and the end of the season.”
Ferry boast the second best defence in the league and Shaw puts that down to the emphasis in training and in game situations.
“We try to become a difficult side to score against and we work very hard on our defending as a team. We know with the quality we’ve got going forward, that if we keep a clean sheet, there’s a good chance we’ll win the game.”
Steve Hughes recently arrived from rivals Cwmamman United but has been unable to make his debut for his new side, but once back from his holiday, he will be in contention for his first appearance.
“Steve signed for us two weeks ago and would have been involved in the Aberdare fixture, but that was postponed. Steve will bring more quality into the side as well as offering experience, we’re also hoping for some goals as well!
He is currently on holiday but we are all looking forward to him coming back and getting involved with us in this exciting end to the season.”
Briton Ferry host AFC Porth at their home stadium at Old Road, with a 14:00 KO, weather permitting.
