NEWFA Cup Semi Final: Queens Park take on Hawarden Rangers
After Gresford booked their place in the NEWFA Cup final on Wednesday evening, Queens Park and Hawarden Rangers play for the remaining spot in an all Welsh National Premier Division show down on Friday.
There is plenty of history between the two sides, who were both strong contenders in the third tier this season.
Whilst Hawarden finished seventh, while Queens Park went on to win the league and gain promotion thanks to passing a ground inspection.
Queens Park come into the game as the favourites on paper, unbeaten against Hawarden this season recording four points against them in total. However, manager Martin Ford says it the cup encounter will be a big test.
“We were the first team to beat them in the league this season – we know what to expect from Hawarden, it won’t be easy, but we will be prepared like we have been all season.”
Hawarden Rangers may have finished some distance from Queens Park in the league, but will be eager to go head to head in a game that is their final competitive fixture of the season bar the possible final. Manager Steve Owen is hoping the game, with a good atmosphere, will see Hawarden prove a point.
“This game is a massive opportunity to prove something to ourselves and other people! We started the season so well and lost our first league game to QP IN December.
“We’ve had a good Welsh Cup run and got to the last eight in the Welsh Trophy so our lads have got themselves up for cup competitions and tonight will be no different. Hopefully we can perform in front of what I’m sure will be a big crowd.”
The reward for winning tomorrow’s semi final is facing the high flying Gresford FC at Wrexham’s racecourse ground, which should be more than enough motivation making for a highly competitive encounter.”
With his side now promoted champions, Ford wants to clinch some silverware for the fans who have followed them throughout their history-making season.
“Getting to the final would be the icing on the cake for the whole club and specially for our fans who’ve been awesome for us this season. I’ve told the players let’s go and win this cup for the fans and finish the season on a high in my eyes that would be the greatest achievement in the club’s history.”
The game kicks off at Buckley Town’s Globe Way Stadium at 7:30pm on Friday evening.
