Christian Edwards speaks of respect of Nathaniel MG Cup opponents Cambrian
Cardiff Metropolitan manager Christian Edwards has spoken of his respect for Nathaniel MG Cup final opponents Cambrian & Clydach Vale.
Edwards takes his side to Jenner Park Stadium tomorrow evening to face fellow South Walian side Cambrian & Clydach Vale in the final.
Cambrian & Clydach Vale have reached the final against the odds, by beating The New Saints back in November, whilst Cardiff Met beat Connah’s Quay at the Deeside Stadium.
The former Wales international said: “We’ve got for Cambrian is the utmost respect. What they’ve done in the competition has been phenomenal, they’ve been great for the community and the competition itself.
“We’ve had them watched and we have nothing but admiration for them. We’re looking forward to locking horns.
“To have two clubs who are relatively small in stature but huge enthusiasm and endeavour.
“I think it’ll be a fantastic final. Having heard of Cambrian’s reported allocation, It’s brilliant, it can only add to the atmosphere and occasion.
We’ve sold our fair share of tickets, the academy kids, the parents, the players’ parents. I’m sure it’s going to be a fantastic occasion.”
Cambrian who plays in the second tier has claimed four Welsh Premier League scalps so far this season, including the holders The New Saints in the last round.
Cardiff Metropolitan have beaten all four sides that Cambrian claimed victory over in the previous rounds of the competition.
But despite their Welsh Premier League status, the Met boss is playing down their favourites tag.
“I think I’ll leave the general public and you guys (the media) to work out the favourites tag.
“I think it’s an interesting Cup competition. The early stages become a hindrance for some teams.
“However we’ve always treated it as we want to get to the final. It’s a great opportunity to get some silverware.
“It’s how we treated it last season and this season. We’ve got our rewards in doing that. It’s great, any senior cup final is a fantastic opportunity for the club.
“I think if you’d speak to any teams not in the competition now they’d relish a Cup final this Saturday.”
It’s a chance of silverware for Christian Edwards to add to his trophy cabinet, having played professional football for clubs like Nottingham Forest and Swansea City.
But having won back-to-back promotions and numerous Division titles, this is the clubs first chance of a top flight Cup to add to their Welsh League titles.
But even if Met were to win on Saturday, there is still more to come says Edwards.
“It’s not about me or my management. I enjoy what I do. It’s about these young men and the journey and path they’ve been on.
“I think winning the trophy is vitally important, as is winning the Welsh League Division Three trophy in 2013 at Abertillery Bluebirds.
“What a night that was, that was probably the beginning and we don’t want Saturday to end, we want Saturday to keep on going, we want that destination wherever it may be.
“We’re looking forward to the occasion and so maybe a prosperous one for ourselves.”
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
