Iwan Williams has roused Caernarfon Town’s supporters and players alike ahead of their JD Welsh Cup derby match against Rhyl today.
The manager leads his side ahead of the game, with the club second in the Huws Gray Alliance behind Prestatyn Town. Despite the club failing to gain the license to go up last season despite winning the league, Williams has full faith and wants to win this game for the supporters.
The Caernarfon Town supporters are as passionate about the Welsh Cup as I am! I would give anything for us to be in the draw for the next round come 7pm Saturday night, if anything just for them. There is a real buzz around the town and a large crowd expected for the game.
Despite their impressive form in the league, playing Rhyl is a completely different prospect for Williams and his side. A Welsh Premier League outfit for a number of years, the test will be a much different one than they usually face every Saturday.
But, Williams and co have done their homework on their opponents and knows coming up against the young Nial McGuiness in the opposition dugout will be no easy prospect.
With Rhyl being in the WPL they have a lot more exposure which we’ve taken advantaged of. We’ve watched a number of videos and have done our homework thoroughly. We know their strengths and will look to expose their weaknesess. However we’re under no illusions that we’re in for a difficult game. Preparation will be key for us as we have a number of key personnel out, so planning and preparation will have to be immaculate.
Niall has done a decent job and has built a team full of young, hungry and energetic players. There’s an element of exuberance about them. Many wrote them off when they lost 10-0 to TNS early on in the season but they’ve been grinding results out since and that shows they have character within the squad also.
And it is a squad he knows well. William has seen a few of his former players head to their rivals, most recently Toby Jones this summer. But, he is not worried about coming up against them.
They have a couple of players whom are familiar to ourselves having represented the club in the past so they will have the bit between their teeth. Alex Jones seems to be in fine form also. We’re not really focussed on individuals though, we’ve concentrated on ourselves and our own game plan with and without the ball.
Either way, Williams is fully focused on the match ahead and knows it will be a tough one, but one he is relishing.
I’m proud of being Manager of this fantastic football club every single day. There is something special about the club, it’s history and it’s supporters. I say we, as I like to think of myself as a Caernarfon Town supporter as well as Manager these days, but the passion and drive within the Town makes the people so infectious. The game itself will be a really good occasion and one which will stress the fact that we are the best supported club around. With the Sgorio cameras present also it promises to be a great occasion and one that I’m proud to be involved in. But only if we win, it will count for nothing should we not progress.
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