Llandrindod Wells players up for derby clash with Rhayader

Llandrindod Wells manager, Gareth Jones, captain Shaun Nichols, Jonny Williams and Kieran McCarly spoke pre-match on their preparations for their derby match against Rhayader Town this coming Saturday.

Central midfielder Jonny Wlliams spoke of the last time the two sides met.

Radnorshire Cup, semi final. 2011. We were a couple of leagues below them and a very young side. No one expected us to beat them. And beating them in extra time. That has to be the best moment for me against Rhayader.”

He went on to add;

“We conceded sloppy goals in a very scrappy game against Rhayader, we know as a team we have a better chance of beating them on a decent surface. We can’t change the way we prepare for a game just because it’s a derby, we have to go in with the right mentality.”

Llandrindod’s 5-2 win against Brecon Northcote, there was an obvious change of system for the team and it benefited them.

“Since the game against Rhayader, we have changed the way we play and it’s got us the results we need in recent weeks. Shaun Nichols is going to be the stand out player for us. In my opinion you’ll struggle to find a better centre- back in the league.”

He then jokingly said;

“I’ve played with Rich Powell and we know how much of a threat he can be in front of goal and can cause havoc when given a chance. I hope hat doesn’t get to his head.”

Speaking to Llandrindods dead ball specialist Kieran Mccarly he answered my questions with a very open mind and didn’t give much away at all

“I don’t have a favourite game. It’s always a physical battle and both teams always go for it. Makes it a really entertaining match. There’s no one stand out player on either side as it’s always a team effort.

We need to cut out the mistakes and thrive on the chances we do get when pushing forward.

Captain of ‘The Spar Men’ Shaun Nichols, also said that the chances they get need to be tucked away. He also mentioned the previous fixture and what they can do to try and get the 3 points;

In our last game against them they scored 3 goals straight from corners, we will have to be more aware of their threat as they’re a big side. But they have pace through Ifan Burrell, it’s always hard to defend against a quick player and he’s the reason I got sent off in the reverse fixture.

Robbie Nichols was pinpointed as Llandrindod’s danger man by his brother and he believes the game could be won by him.

“Not only because he’s my brother but because he’s been the stand out player for us this year and caused them problems in the reverse fixture.

I don’t have many fond memories against Rhayader but it has to be the spar cup when we beat them 2-1 thanks to goals from Tom Goodwin, now of Newtown AFC, and Robbie Nichols. It was our first season in Spar 2 and they were top of Spar 1. I remember it very well, it was also the only time I’ve been on the back page.”

Player-manager Gareth Jones also mentioned that his favourite memory of the fixture was the 2-1 win where Tom Goodwin and Robbie Nichols scored against a division one winning Rhayader Town.

“Derby games are always difficult. Both teams know each other very well, but at the ends of the days it’s going to come down to who wants it most. We have to go out on to the pitch, with no fear and take the game to them.

In the previous fixture we had a very good tempo and the quality was high, but we need to make sure we have this for the full ninety minuites. Not just the first 45.

Gavin Samuel had a very good game against us and he held their defensive unit together. We need to make sure he has a difficult day if we want to come away with a good result.

Robbie Nichols, I consider him to be one of the best players in the league. He’s maintained his high performances and it’s no wonder he earned player of the month for December.”