Cups Cymru North Welsh National League Premier Division

WNL President’s Cup Final Match Preview: FC Queens Park vs Cefn Albion

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Silverware is already up for grabs at Stantsy Park in the Welsh National League  (WNL) President’s Cup,  fixture between, now Cymru Alliance side, Queens Park and Cefn Albion is played later today.

The fixture which is equivalent to what England’s Community Shield is to English fans showcases the most successful sides in the Wrexham National League, with the League Champions facing the Cup winners.

On Saturday 5th August at 2.30pm the latest edition of the cup final game between the previous season’s WNL Premier Division winners (Queens Park) and  Premier Division Cup winners (Cefn Albion) takes place at Stantsy Park (Home of Lex Glyndwr).

Queens Park go into the fixture as big favourites due to their new position in the Cymru Alliance but as Cefn Albion proved in their victorious cup run, if the squad plays well then they can compete with some of the best North East Wales has to offer.

President’s Cup History

The fixture has been a mainstay in the WNL season since it first came about roughly 30 years ago.

“Mr John Efion Lloyd introduced the cup whilst he was the WNL President. Originally it was to be played between the Premier Division league & league cup winners and all proceeds of the game would go to a local charity which would be nominated by the president.”

Steve Harris, WNL General Secretary also gave context as to how the cup got its name.  Harris went on to give information about the history and the games importance.

“Originally it was played as the last game of the season in question but changed to become the curtain raiser for the following season as it became difficult to arrange the game at the end of the season with other games and finals going on.”

“Our current president Mr Peris Jones then continued with the game after John passed away in 1997 and the game gives the previous seasons League & Cup winners a competitive game a week prior to the season commencing.”

Managers Thoughts

 Queens Park will head into this fixture on the back of a very memorable season which saw them not only win WNL Premier in stunning fashion but also gain promotion to the Cymru Alliance. Nevertheless, Queens Park manager Martin Ford is not treating the game as a walk in the park.
“It’s never going to be a easy game for us they will be wanting to put one over us after we beat them twice last season one of them games we won 8-1 at there place; they are a young team gaining more experience and will be a force in years too come.”
Ford is also excited at the prospect of his team earning more silverware ahead of the new season which would top off a memorable year for the club.
“My lads know what’s expected of them and I know what we’re capable of when we are on our game and teams couldn’t live with us last season so it will be nice to play for a trophy we haven’t won before that’s for sure”
The Queens Park boss will be embracing the opportunity to compete in the fixture and prepare for the lively season as it prepares his player for the Cymru Alliance season ahead.
“I personally think it’s a good competitive fixture in our build up for the Cymru Alliance, a massive crowd is expected at Stansty Park, playing in front of massive crowds is something we will get used to more next season  so to me it’s perfect build up for the lads to get used to playing in front of big crowds”
On the other side of the pitch, Cefn Albion boss Sean Jones is eager to avenge the losses suffered to Queens Park during last season and replicate their cup success.
“We don’t mind the underdogs label one bit. We are very confident in our own ability to give any team a very good test this season.”
“We have planned around the match with training and friendlies and we also feel it will help us get into our stride a bit earlier than others hopefully! Also it will be great that both teams are doing there bit once again by raising money for charity.”
Albion captain Paul Griffiths also gave his opinion of the tough fixture ahead as he eyes the opportunity to lift the cup this afternoon.
“Truth be told whether we are the underdogs or the favourites, as players we will approach the fixture in the exact same manner. We know all about Queens Park from last season so we know what they will bring to the table but we will work hard in training and concentrate on ourselves.”
“We know that on our day we can provide a stern test for most teams in and around our level.”
And the opportunity to win a trophy is as good as motivator as any…
“Since we formed in 2013 the club has been fortunate to collect at least one piece of silverware for each season so if we did come out on top on Saturday then we would continue that trend without even kicking off the new league campaign.”
“The fixture also gives us an opportunity to test ourselves against another good outfit from a league above. As a player you want to test yourself against good teams and good players.”
Team News
 
Queens Park have all but one of their squad available for selection, including top goalscorer in the WNL premier last season Barry Torrence and a returning strong goal scoring option in Helder Ramos, coming back after a long term injury .
Recent signing Nicky Chesters will make his competitive debut for the club but other new boy Matty Williams will be out with an injury.
Despite the signing of Callum Thurman from Coedpoeth, it is likely that last years Goalkeeper, Joey Jones, who played a huge hand in winning the league title by only conceding 34 goals will start in the fixture.
Queens Park’s defence also deserve credit for that statistic too however and with them all fully fit, its a very talented side which Martin Ford will be fielding.
Cefn Albion are nowhere near as fortunate in terms of availability though, with four players away on holiday meaning the team won’t be at full strength.
Further, the partnership Albion formed with local Welsh Premier League side Cefn Druids won’t be playing a role in the fixture, meaning they will be relying on the quality which led them to the Premier Division Cup to win them the game.
Other good news sees the debut of a promising new strike partnership between long time player for Albion Oliver Davies and young talent Connor Kendrick.
Recent Meetings
Saturday 24th September 2016: Cefn Albion 1-8 Queens Park
Saturday 5th November 2016:  Queens Park 3-1 Cefn Albion
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