Penyfford Lions boss Craig Mossman says club have exceeded JD Welsh Cup expectations
Penyffordd Lions boss Craig Mossman will look to build upon the list of achievements his team have already unexpectedly accomplished this season when they take on Cymru Aliiance side Porthmadog in the first round proper of the Welsh Cup this Saturday.
Formally of the Deeside Sunday League, as Red Lion Strollers, but now a Saturday side (due to the Sunday League massively reducing in size over the recent years), Penyffordd Lions are no stranger to play in big games having won a number of cups and the Sunday League division one title in the 15/16 season.
They’ve also managed two upset victories against opposition from two tiers above them with a 1-0 win over Corwen in the NEWFA Cup and a 3-2 triumph over Cefn Albion in qualifying for the Welsh Cup which they compete in this weekend.
Craig Mossman is no stranger to winning ways either, having managed the current squad for a number of years in Sunday Competition as well as managing the previous Penyffordd team which were a consistent team in the Welsh National League Premier Division during their time there.
When speaking about Saturdays clash, Mossman said;
“Honestly, there’s no pressure on us and we do like to be the underdog for that reason. We have exceeded our expectations by getting to the first round proper of the Welsh Cup and are looking forward to the game.”
Then continuing to talk about upset victories already achieved this season in hope of another on Saturday;
“The games against Corwen and Cefn Albion in Cup games have given us the boost to show that we can compete with teams at a higher level. We can go to Porthmadog, enjoy ourselves and hopefully put on a performance which would give us a chance of getting a result.”
Mossman attributes the success of the team so far this season to “teamwork” and believes this could once again attribute to success come Saturday.
“We have a good blend of experience and youth and combined with the hard work the lads will put it we may surprise Porthmadog. Our players have experience of big games and will be ready to give it a go in a real David vs Goliath contest against Porthmadog.”
Just as mentioned before, the club haven’t been feeling pressure leading up to the game and even have some new signings arriving to strengthen the team;
“We haven’t trained differently at all. Training has been good and competitive and with a couple of additions to the club (which will be announced in the coming days) who have trained this week – training was sharp and competitive which is exactly what we wanted ahead of the game on Saturday.”
Mossman also has faith in every player who takes to pitch and won’t rely on individual performances but rather a collaborative effort from a team playing to the best of its ability.
“From my point of view, it’s a team game. We have individual players who can change the game but ultimately everyone needs to perform for us to get the result we want on Saturday. We know our strengths and we will play to them and hopefully that will be enough to cause a cup shock on Saturday.”
Porthmadog v Penyffordd Lions kicks off at 2.30 on Saturday 7th October at Y Traeth, home of CPD Porthmadog.
(Featured Image: Penyffordd Lions FC)
