Champions face ex-Champions in the Welsh National League Premier Division this afternoon, as newly crowned Queens Park travel to FC Nomads.
But for Queens Park manager, Martin Ford, there remains a job in hand. He has taken his side on a meteoric rise through the Welsh ranks, defying the odds to bring success to a club who have sourced players almost entirely from the Wrexham estate it is based on.
Queen’s Park’s latest success was confirmed at Llanuwchllyn last week – but they now travel to an intriguing game against FC Nomads of Connah’s Quay, who as last season’s league winners were contenders for the title at the start of the season.
Y Clwb Pel Droed caught up with Ford on his side’s title success, plans for promotion and how he is determined to see a competitive encounter this afternoon.
Ford credits his side for their success this season, and says the title win means something for the entire Queens Park estate.
“What the lads have achieved this season, winning the title, has made the whole coaching staff and Queens Park estate very proud. I need to thank my coaching staff, Daz Lloyd and Mark Kojack Davies, for helping me drill the team every week.”
Against renewed spending power in the third tier, he points to the unity of his side as a key attribute towards the title win, which came after 21 wins, 1 draw and three losses with an impressive 109 goals on the way.
“Our team togetherness is second to none these lads will run threw brick walls for each other. The standards this season in the WNLPD have been the highest I’ve ever seen, anyone can beat anyone.”
With their final 90 minutes coming up against FC Nomads, Ford is adamant it will be a competitive game with three points the focus.
The game is being treated like all the other games have been this season; there’s three points to play for.
Despite a rivalry for the title this season, both FC Nomads and Queens Park appear to respect each other’s achievements. Ford praises FC Nomads’ manager Tom Taylor, and tips them to challenge again next season.
“We have massive respect for FC Nomads as a club and their manager Tom Taylor, he’s a right character on and off the field, and they will be my team to watch next season in this league”
Queens Park are confirmed champions, but will only be promoted if their base for next season passes an inspection for Huws Gray Alliance standards. While the club faces a nervous wait, Ford is confident of going up and challenging in the second tier next season.
“The finishing touches are being made to the Lex ground ready for the 30th of this month. We’re very confident of going up, it’s going to be the clubs biggest challenge next season but one the whole club is really looking forward to.”
The game kicks off at FC Nomads’ Wepre Park ground at 2:30pm on Saturday 15 April.
Photo Credit: FC Queens Park
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