Craig Papirnk and his Porthmadog side are preparing for a Huws Gray Alliance clash with an unbeaten Prestatyn Town outfit on Saturday. To make things even tougher, they must bounce back from a loss to Holywell Town last week.
Y Clwb Pel Droed caught up with Porthmadog manager Craig Papirnk to discuss recent results and how his side have fared this season so far.
Papirnyk was disappointed to lose at Holywell, but admits Holywell second half performance deserves to win.
“It is always disappointing to lose, Holywell is no easy place to go and I knew before hand we would face a difficult challenge, it was a game of two half’s, our performance 1st half was very good, we created good chances and moved the ball well.
We had a great opportunity to come in 2-0 up just before half time which would’ve given us that little cushion for the second half but unfortunately we didn’t take it and we knew Holywell would come out at us second half and once they gained momentum and confidence they began to put pressure on us and were deserved winners in that second half.”
Papirnyk admits his side have lacked consistency but he’s been pleased with his young side’s performances as they continue to learn in a tough Huws Gray Alliance league.
“We have lacked consistency in our results for certain this season, our performances have been really good during some losses but we have not punished the opposition while were on top and unfortunately we are then punished for this by the opposition which is to be expected in this league.
I have a young squad and these experiences are important for them, we must learn and continually grow as a squad to ensure we do maintain consistency and I have every confidence in them that we will continue to improve together.”
In an often rare phenomenon of football, Porthmadog have seen success on the road this season but have failed to clinch results at their own Y Traeth ground.
We have been very good on the road, looking at our losses at Caersws, Caernarfon and Holywell it could’ve also been better with 3 narrow defeats! I will however happily take our away form this season, it’s our home form that’s been disappointing and we know we have to improve it.
Papirnyk is looking for a reaction against Prestatyn Town following their defeat at Holywell, knowing they will pushed hard by a team closing in on a historic title win.
“They’re a team full of confidence and quality! I expect a very fiercely contested game, we will be looking to react from last weeks disappointment but we also know Prestatyn are the in form team and runner way leaders at the top, so I am under no illusions on how hard it will be, I have faith in my squad and I know on our day we can compete with anyone in the league.”
Papirnyk credits Neil Gibson’s squad and admits there is more then one match winner in his team.
“Neil has a great squad, it is well balanced with youth and experience and he has more than one match winner in his side. They are very organised and play to their strengths, they are more direct this year and have scored many goals from this style of play, at the back they are very organised and with leaders across the park for them it is no surprise that are having a greats season.”
Papirnyk says it’s important for Porthmadog to stick to their game plan on Saturday.
“I think it’s important for us to play our game and stick to what we are good at, we were unlucky when we drew 1-1 At Prestatyn, I felt we edged it and deserved the win, so we can take confidence from that performance.
I also feel it’s important that we remain focused and do not give away silly mistakes, Prestatyn are ruthless and will take any opportunities we give them, it’s a big game for us as recently we have dropped points to Conwy and Holywell and if we are to finish as high as possible we can not continue to drop points at this stage in the season.
No doubt this will be a big test for us, but we will as always give everything to get a positive result.
Porthmadog have just one injury and will be boosted by the return of two players for the game.
“We currently only have Gruff John absent with a groin tear, there are a few lads carrying knocks but no real concerns, Ceri James and Ste Bratt will return to the squad after both were absent at Holywell. We have also recently lost top scorers Josh Davies (Rhyl) and Julian Williams (Colwyn Bay) which would be difficult for any squad, but I have confidence in the attacking players we have.
Porthmadog host Prestatyn Town for a 2:30pm kick off on Saturday 18 February.
Eric Hall
Clubs like Porthmadog, Prestatyn, Caernarfon, Holywell, Barry, Port Talbot, Afan Lido, Haverfordwest, Caersws Llanelli ought to be pushing hard for the FAW to hurry up and create a Second Division of the Welsh Premier League. The Euro windfall used to improve facilities at these clubs and for all clubs to be “locked in” for 5 years to give them a chance to establish themselves and to recoup the investment that they have made. This will also give cubs “locked out” of the pyramid chance to improve their own infrastructure so that we can then have a play-off system for promotion like that which has started in Scotland just recently and seen Edinburgh City admitted to the League.