Cambrian Cup run can prompt title charge from Cam

The Rhondda haven’t had representation in the top flight of Welsh football in twenty-four years.

But now Cambrian BGC are making names for themselves as the giant-killers of this seasons Nathaniel MG Cup and there’s not many reasons why top-flight football, can’t come to Tonypandy.

Dane Williams’ side have dumped Aberystwyth Town, Barry Town United and most recently Newtown out of the Cup, to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

The Nathaniel MG Cup is a competition that doesn’t receive as much glamour as the top flight or the Welsh Cup, but Cambrian have taken the competition seriously and they’re reaping the rewards of a well-orchestrated cup run.

As one of the Tier One applicants for next season, beating these Welsh Premier League teams, shows how they could compete, should they finish in a position for promotion?

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Some of the sides they’ve faced have played a weakened team, but Cambrian have benefitted from that. Many Welsh Premier League clubs have used the competition for fringe and younger players for first team action, but it’s good to see a club like Cambrian getting something out of it.

In what is a youthful squad, with a lot of homegrown talent and local boys, Cambrian have embraced the MG Cup, making it their own.

This Cup run has not only benefited them in terms of receiving exposure but has provided the club with a yardstick for a level of performance the club needs to be to play at an elite level.

League leaders Penybont lost to Newtown in the earlier round of the Cup, whilst Cambrian have done something Rhys Griffiths’ men haven’t done, which is beat the Robins. Second-placed Haverfordwest County were humbled at Cyncoed Campus, as they were on the end of a rout by Christian Edwards’ men.

These wins over Welsh Premier League opposition for a third time will do the squad’s confidence a world of good. Especially given the form of Newtown this season. Both them and Barry Town United currently occupy two of the top six spots, which makes Cambrian’s giant-killing act, even more impressive.

Dane Williams himself spoke earlier this week on how the Cup has helped their league form.

“We started the league very slowly and cup games have been a help with us finding some form and consistency that we have taken into the league.”

There’s no reason why Cambrian now can’t compete for the Division One title. The structure in place shows the club is on the up, with a terrific Academy. The crowds are also there at the Cambrian Academy.

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)