Pontypridd Town boss Dominic Broad said his side are capable of beating Division Two leaders Llanelli Town in their promotion clash this evening.
This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides, with Llanelli Town beating Pontypridd in both the JD Welsh Cup and Welsh Football League Cup, 3-1 and on penalties respectively but in the League, the two sides played out to a 2-2 draw back in December at Steboneath Park.
“We are capable of beating them, we’ve had a few very close games with Llanelli this season, last time narrowly missing out on all three points but a draw was probably a fair result. We hope we can restrict the attacking options that Llanelli have and use our home advantage.
The lads are really up for the game and everyone is thoroughly enjoying winning games and challenging at the top of Division 2.”
The task may be seen as a bit more daunting as Llanelli are yet to taste defeat in the League this season, with their only defeat coming in the hands of Welsh Premier League side The New Saints, who cruised to a 7-0 victory at Park Hall.
It was a convincing win for Ponty last time out as they cruised to a 3-0 victory overr AFC Llwydcoed last weekend but Briton Ferry made the gap bigger as they won on Tuesday, beating Pontardawe Town.
“So after last weeks game we are pleased. It was a good result against a tough team but we are taking each game as it comes and trying to put the pressure on Briton Ferry, Porth and Cwmaman who all have games in hand.
We came into this league hoping to establish ourselves as a solid div 2 team so to be even considered for a promotion charge is a huge compliment to where the club has come from in the 3 years since Damien and I took over.”
Over the last few months, Pontypridd have recruited well in the experienced head of Barry Town midfielder Bobby Briers but most recently, Broad acquired the signature of Risca United man Bo Cordle, who Broad worked with during Caerau’s time in Division Two.
“Bobby and Bo look to be excellent acquisitions. Bobby has great resilience and excellent work ethic so having him share similar ambitions to the club meant we were a good match.
Bo was part of the Caerau Ely team Nana Baah and I got promoted from division 2 (before I joining Pontypridd Town afc as manager). He is hard working, technically excellent and very professional- exactly what we are all about at Ponty.
The current squad is a lot younger than before and a lot of lads have made the step up to Welsh League for the first time this year.”
The Dragons will be hopeful of a bumper crowd at Ynysyngharad Park as they welcome the Welsh League MVP Lee Trundle to their ground. They have also offered free entry to students who possess a valid student card, as they look to attract all kinds of fans to watch their local team.
“We are expecting a good turn out and will be encouraging local schools and our youth section to bring children along to the game and support the town. Our support is been far greater than the previous 3 season, partly thanks to the interest following the Talksport game.”
Broad has been impressed with what he has seen from his squad in recent weeks and is delighted to see so much commitment from his players, praising the attitudes of all involved.
“The huge positive for us is everyone in the squad is hard working and has the resilience to battle back at all times. They won’t give up and that showed at Porth a few weeks ago.
Phil, Damien and I thoroughly enjoy working with this bunch of players. They even hate losing in training.”
Tonight’s game is a 7:30 kick off at Ynysangharad Park, with free entry for students with a valid student card.
(Featured Image: Abergavenny Town)
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