Reaching League Cup final would put Ynysygerwn on map says Maggs
Ynysygerwn boss Nicholas Maggs says reaching the final of the League Cup could bolster the clubs stature.
The Neath based side take on Division One winners Penybont this evening at Taff Well’s Rhiw’r Ddar.
The winner will take on Penydarren BGC after they beat Trefelin in the first semi-final.
Underdogs Ynysygeren are most well known for having Wales international defender Ben Davies as their club president.
Other than that, they are known as a Sports Club who also run a cricket team.
Maggs said: “I think reaching the final would really help put our club on the map.
“Our boys all want to play for the club. They pay to play and train and hopefully if we got to the final it may attract more players and sponsors to become part of the fantastic club that we have.”
Maggs who had recently managed in his 200th game as manager of the club, recalled the time they were promoted against Swansea University.
They were forced to mix and match in a game of such importance. In the last round, Ynysygerwn were made to rotate after a number of players were unavailable.
“We are underdogs in nearly every game even in the league, so we are use to it. I think we have gained a lot of respect from other teams.
“We are confident that we can turn in a performance against anyone on our day.
“The Swansea University playoff game for one was going to be hard. We had no keeper or striker that evening and we managed to win that so you never know on the night.”
Standing in their way of reaching the League Cup final for the first time are Penybont.
Managed by Welsh Premier League legend Rhys Griffiths, Ynysygerwn’s opponents Penybont recently celebrated success in their league after winning the Division One title against Undy Athletic.
The only defeats they have suffered this season have been to sides in the top six of the Welsh Premier League, after exiting the Nathaniel MG Cup and Welsh Cup to top flight opposition.
“Penybont are unbeaten and full of quality, so I don’t think there’s a good time to play them at all.
“Winning the league in the week now means they can turn their attention to the cup although I’m sure they will be looking to through the Welsh League season unbeaten.
“When we played Haverfordwest we had a lot of players unavailable and the boys who played that evening took on board what we wanted to do.
“Penybont are a different side to Haverfordwest so we may apply different tactics but it’s all about the personal we have available on the night.
“I don’t personally know Rhys Griffiths, but his playing and management record speaks for itself. I have a lot of respect for him and his side.”
Live updates of the second semi-final will be provided on Y Clwb Pel-Droed, you can follow live updates here.
(Featured Image: Chris Mahoney)
