Liberal’s Bowden says 1-0 win will do after thriller
After being involved in an 11 goal thriller last weekend, Canton Liberal manger Dean Bowden says he’d happily accept a 1-0 victory over Pencoed this weekend.
To score six in a game and only win the game by one goal shows that last week was a match that really stood out in both managers minds. At Leckwith’s 3G pitch, Canton Liberal and Brecon Corries played to a 6-5 victory for the home side.
“Without doubt, on paper it certainly looks a close affair. We know that Pencoed are a defensively well organized team and we will have to be at our best to break them down. We go into every football match looking to win and Saturday will be no different. I’m not sure i can take another 11 goal thriller, I’d be happy with a dull 1-0 win.”
Canton Liberal’s boss says the game will stay in the back of his mind for some time, with a lot to take from the game.
“Saturdays game was certainly one that I won’t forget in a hurry. Going forward we were a real threat from start to finish and we managed to play some great football.
The return of front man Andre Phillips to the starting lineup after a long lay off and the timely return to form of mercurial midfielder Abdi Ghanii Noor played a massive part in that without doubt.
Defensively we were disappointing on the day and without the efforts of our Keeper Aaron Fettah the result may of been very different. Looking at the positives from the game it was pleasing to see the teams character and desire to win the football match after the disappointment of conceding the equalizer late on.
Conceding that number of goals in football match is never pleasing but to still come away with the win somewhat softens the blow without doubt. Hopefully we can take take the positives from last weekends game into the Pencoed match and get that all important 3 points.
Unfortunately for Liberal, they will be without midfielder Christopher Dye who has played a big part in Liberal’s season so far. New signing Jonathan Homp also misses out due to an injury.
“Going into Saturday’s home game we already know that we will be without our influential midfielder Christopher Dye due to suspension.
Chris is an important member of the dressing room and without doubt will be a big miss for us. Christopher has been a revelation since his return to us this season after a period away from the game.
After Saturdays tough encounter with Brecon it has already had a bearing on this weekends squad, with New signing Jonathan Homp picking up a bad injury which is likely to keep him out of action for 4/5 weeks which is hugely disappointing.”
For Canton, it’s been a tough time this season in terms of players leaving, Chris Quick who made a name for himself with his goal scoring exploits departed for Caerau Ely, as well as Lee Bridgeman leaving for Ely Rangers.
“We have seen a large number of players depart during the course of this season which has been hugely disappointing considering the aspirations we had at the start of the season.
Its not something we are going to dwell on as a club or use as an excuse for our indifferent season to date. All the boys who have left we wish them all the success possible, but for me Its about the players who are still here playing for the club.
We have made some great additions to the squad over the last few weeks and are still looking to improve where we can. Its certainly a big challenge we have on our hands, but hopefully we will be back on track with our aspirations of becoming a Welsh League Football Club in the near future.”
IMAGE FROM MERTENS PHOTOGRAPHY
