Swansea University manager Dafydd Evans is looking forward to “a good contest” when his side play STM Sports in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.
Both the Students and STM have made positive starts to the season, sitting third and fifth respectively, with games in hand over those above them.
Dale Gardiner’s side narrowly missed out on promotion to Division One last season, while Evans’ Swansea are playing in the third tier for the first time.
Evans is full of admiration for the Llanrumney-based side: “They are talented side who went close to promotion last year so we are fully aware of their experience and talent.
We have big respect for what the coaching staff and players at STM have achieved and what their aim is. Our players are really excited to play there on Saturday.”
This will be the first time that the two sides have met, and Evans concedes that his side will be the underdogs, however he’s sure that his players will be up for the test: “I’m sure they will be favourites at home on Saturday especially after their experiences last year – but we as a group of players and staff will look forward to the challenge.”
Commenting on the the 3G playing surface at Llanrumney, the former DC United coach said: “It can potentially suit both sides on Saturday in many aspects – we are expecting a good contest.”
A win for the Students would be a big statement, however Evans doesn’t have the result at the forefront of his mind: “We are not concentrating on the result at the moment – just the process of preparing and performing. With recent cancellations and missed games we just looking forward to playing.”
Swansea University and STM Sports are two sides that are challenging at the top, however both are trailing Croesyceiliog in first and Abergavenny in second. Evans has not been surprised with their positive start: “Not at all – there are half a dozen clubs who have promotion credentials and all teams seem capable of taking points off other sides.
“Over the course of the season I’m sure all clubs expect many ups and downs.”
The Students had last weekend’s home game against Aberdare postponed, while STM Sports were able to play. When asked if this will have any bearing on Saturday’s game, Evans said: “Potentially maybe yes – but the result I’m sure will be earned and decided on Saturday one way or the other.”
(Featured image: Will Cheshire)
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