Cambrian and Clydach’s Mikey Jones says the Nathaniel MG Cup Final between Cardiff Met and his side will be ‘something special’ and ‘a great advert for Welsh Football.’
The Rhondda side have beaten four Welsh Premier League teams to reach their first final: Barry Town, Aberystwyth Town, Newtown and The New Saints, who lifted the trophy last season.
Having been brought up around the corner from the ground, Jones comes from a family that has beeninvolved with the side for many years and has nothing but good memories of his time growing up.
“I was a local boy who lived around 200 yards from the ground, I’ve been supporting them since I was five years old.”
“My father (Dean Jones) was manager.” he said. “My uncle (Phil Jones) used to play for them, so for me to get to the final with Cambrian after winning many league titles, this is something special to be honest with you.”
“He was manager here when I was seven, but like I said I’ve lived up the road. I’ve always had an affirmation with Cambrian whether that’s playing or watching. So, after a couple of years away It’s good to be back and in the final.”
And Jones’ connection with the local area is still going strong, with the player in the thick of a community buzz for the big final.
“Everyone has been rooting for us, coming up to me asking me “How is the week going” “Are you excited for the Final?” “We will see you there!”
“So, it’s a good community spirit around the place. I’m sure we will get a big crowd for Saturday.”
In 2017, Cambrian reached the FAW Youth Cup Final where they came up against Swansea City under-19s, only to lose 2-0 and that day featured five players who would start the semi-final against TNS. Joe Evans, Sam Jones, Cameron Keetch, Carn Thomas and captain Dave Thomas. The opposition featured Liam Edwards, who scored Swansea’s second goal of the game.
“I know they lost that cup final but the experience they got from that playing with quality players. I mean Liam scored the winner, he’s with us now but the quality of the youngsters is second to none really.”
“The boys keep reminding him that he knocked them out of the cup. There’s a bit of a banter going about but it is all good.”
“They are only youngsters but they are used to winning things with the academy and the academy is bringing players through which are winning things and get that winning mentality.” He said. “I think this is paying dividends.”
Despite beating four of the top six Welsh Premier League Clubs, the striker believes that they will go into tomorrow’s game as underdogs.
“We are always going to be underdogs, you know they are a Welsh Premier League team and they are doing well in the Welsh Prem.”
“They are on a good run. I think they have won their last three games 3-0. We are unbeaten I think about two, three months but it will be a good game and whatever will be on Saturday will be.”
If you look back, we’ve won so many league titles and the stature of this cup (means it is) definitely (the) biggest fixture to date.
“Of course, we want to get hold of that trophy, but you know we take one game at a time and that one game is next Saturday.”
Jones also praised brothers Phil and John Williams for their role behind the scenes, with the former acting as chairman of the club for over thirty years.
“Phil and John, they’ve been here longer than I’ve been alive and a credit to them. This pitch was not here six years ago, every year there is something happening with the club and it seems to be going on the upwards and that’s down to people like Phil and John and without them the club would be nothing.
After the Archers beat Connah’s Quay Nomads in the other semi-final, tomorrow’s final will be contested by two teams from South Wales for the first time, and a new winner will engraved on the Trophy.
“I’ve heard that” he said. “It’s an interesting stat really, I mean for South Wales football it’s a great advert isn’t it?”
“Like I said all the local teams supporting us and Cardiff Met it brings a buzz around the place, it’s a great advert for Welsh Football.”
(Featured image: Jordan Jones)
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