Cwm Welfare manager Phil Thomas has said he’s been impressed with the attitude of his players following their relegation from the Welsh Football League last season.
Welfare finished at the foot of the table last season as they finished on 23 points, one point off of 15th placed Caerleon.
For some cases, it can be hard to lift players following a relegation and they can often findthemselves in a slump, still dwelling on last season.
But now Cwm Welfare are in a new division and they’ve started life off well as they beat new boys Cardiff Draconians in their opening day fixture 4-0, as well as drawing 4-4 with Ynyshir Albions.
“Surprisingly, no. The attitude has been outstanding and we have kept virtually the entire squad and added a couple more. This a hard working group who know they underperformed last year and are keen to put it right.
I don’t feel we are in a transitional phase given the continuity of players so we have to have faith in our ability. It is a very tough league though.”
From those two performances, Cwm Welfare put in a dominating display against the Draconians and was in high praise of his players that day.
“We were delighted with a big result and performance against a very strong side in Cardiff Draconians. I felt our positional discipline and work rate was excellent.”
But in their second game of the season, Welfare saw a four goal lead slip as they drew 4-4 to another new side in the South Wales Alliance Premier Division in Ynyshir Albion.
“Hugely frustrated but the team have responded positively and honestly to the result. You have to give a lot of credit to Ynyshir for the fight back. It showed great character.”
This week though, Welfare will already be tested with two games in three days as they host Baglan Dragons this evening, as well as another game against Cardiff Corinthians on Friday evening, as they welcome the groundhoppers to their Mount Pleasant Park home.
“Obviously, we’d prefer a larger gap but you have to focus on the areas you can control. They are both home games so we take the positives.
The squad look to deliver every game and the only focus for players is the Baglan game. The competition for places and individual character is what pushes players to perform. The committee are doing a great job in preparing for The groundhoppers but for the players it’s another game in a long, tough season.”
Since his introduction as manager to the club, Thomas has said his influence on the side is to create good habits that become a permanent fixture in his side. He also put praise on long-term servant Dean Groves who has been at the club for over thirty years as both a player and manager.
“I focus on the coaching side, looking to create good habits that become permanent. Dean is a massive part of this club and has the respect of everyone. From the start of pre season, he has created a buzz.”
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