Haverfordwest County manager Wayne Jones has said that he wants to “enjoy the occasion”, as his side travel to face Cardiff Metropolitan in the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup on Tuesday evening.
On the opposition
Despite the Archers’ mixed start to the season, Jones is expecting a stern challenge from Christian Edwards’ men: “Regardless to their start in the league, they are a quality team and Christian has them playing in a way they all understand.
They don’t change their style or philosophy, so we go into this knowing it will be a very tough test.”
“We’ll enjoy the occasion”
The Bluebirds have made a strong start to their Welsh League Division One campaign, currently sitting second on 21 points, and Jones is looking forward to the challenge: “We’ve started well but we’re playing a team who are playing at a higher level weekly.
It will be a good test to see how far we have come, and great to test ourselves. We’ll enjoy the occasion.”
Williams key to Bluebirds’ hopes
Striker Danny Williams has been in fine form for County this season, netting 15 goals to date, and is a player that Jones will be looking to to cause problems: “Danny is catching the eye of clubs at higher levels and has been in great form.
He’s a good guy who is grounded, and games like these I know he’s looking forward to.
If he applies himself well he should prove to be a threat.”
Looking back on previous Cyncoed visits
Jones, who was previously on the management staff at Aberystwyth Town, has previously visited Cyncoed Campus as a manager; and will be looking to call on his experiences.
“I was manager of Newcastle Emlyn eight years ago when we played Cardiff Met in Welsh League Division Two. It was very tough on the grass pitch next to their fabulous stadium now and we always had tough encounters.
This will be no different, but one where we will enjoy being the underdog with no pressure for us.”
Squad depth allows County to remain competitive
The 39-year-old is optimistic that the squad he has will allow him to rotate, while still remaining competitive: “We have a reasonably large squad which allows us to rotate and rest players.
Saying that, we have a group of players who want to win every game, like myself and the management, and this won’t change.”
Archers to look out for
When asked which Archers player he will be keeping a close eye on, he said: “I watched them on Sunday vs. Carmarthen and they’re all organised and disciplined with threats from everywhere.
But Eliot Evans appears to be a class act, as does my good friend Dylan Rees.”
No qualms about 3G pitch
The former defender is looking forward to having the opportunity to play on Met’s 3G surface: “The 3G should suit us as we like to pass and move the ball, so I expect it to suit us in all honesty.”
“Play to our own beliefs and style”
Jones watched the Students play Carmarthen on Sunday, and has a clear plan of how he wants to play: “Their ball retention is very good, they switch play well and always play out from the back.
They had about 75% possession today (Sunday) so I’m aware of their style.
We’ll be organised and ready, but it’s important our young side don’t change our identity and play to our own beliefs and style, which will hopefully cause them problems.”
Kick-off on Tuesday evening is at 19:45.
(Featured image: Chris Howells)
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