Wells expecting tough test from Ynysddu Welfare in FAW Trophy

Ynyshir Albion’s manager Craig Wells says he’s expecting a tough game from Welsh Cup giant-killers Ynysddu Welfare.

The Rhondda based club make the trip to Caerphilly this afternoon to play Gwent County League side Ynysddu in Round Three of the FAW Trophy.

Throughout Ynyshir’s cup run they have played opposition from the Gwent County League, Swansea Senior League and the Welsh Football League.

Despite the Gwent County League and South Wales Alliance League doing battle a number of times, the Ynyshir boss says that people won’t be able to make judgements on the two leagues from this one-off game.

Ynyshir’s opponents Ynysddu previously played in the South Wales Alliance League but moved to the Gwent County League.

Wells commented: “I think that the beauty of this cup is that you come up against teams that you would not normally meet. 

“I saw Ynysddu a couple of times last season and they are a strong team and have continued last seasons form into this season. 

“They’ve beaten some top teams and we are expecting a really tough game.

I don’t think you can make comparisons based on one game.  The only thing that is important today is who finishes the day in the next round.”

Ynysddu’s ground which is the Pontllanfraith 3G is an artificial surface. This isn’t a distraction for Ynyshir due to their experience when training.

The Welfare have already claimed scalps in the FAW’s other recognised knock out competition when they beat Croesyceiliog and Taffs Well.

“We approach each game is pretty much the same and I’m sure the boys will enjoy the surface today. 

“We train on a 3G pitch every week so we know what to expect and we’re looking forward to it. “

Ynyshir themselves are one of the favourites for promotion in the South Wales Alliance League this season.

Wells men finished second behind runaway leaders Penydarren this season, but the Division this time around isn’t as straightforward as it was in the last campaign.

Caerphilly Athletic currently rule the roost with a four-point gap over Ynyshir. The Buns though have three games in hand over the league leaders.

“This is a really tough league and it’s still early days.  The club will just keep working hard both on and off the field and we’ll see where that takes us. 

“It’s important that we continue to strengthen the club as a whole and I think that things like the introduction of the new youth team this season shows that we are moving in the right direction. 

“The youth have had a great start to the season which obviously boards well for the future.”

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)