STM Sports captain Joey Evans says Mellons capable of Nathaniel MG Cup final upset
(Image: Mike James)
STM Sports AFC’s captain Joey Evans believes his side can ‘cause an upset’ when they take on Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final at Newtown’s Richmond Park.
The Mellons, who are in their first year of the competition, defeated Pontypridd Town, Cwmbran Celtic, Newtown and Aberystwyth Town on route to the final.
For the second year in a row, a Cymru South side will take on Cymru Premier team after Cardiff Met’s 2-0 victory over Cambrian and Clydach Vale.
“You see all these teams from lower leagues who aren’t in the Welsh Premier, they’re there and having a go so why can’t we go one step further.
“It’s a big game for us. It’s come from nothing, we beat a few Welsh Prem sides on the way, there’s nothing to lose.
“We’ll go out there and have a go and we think we can cause an upset.
“We know how good these teams are: Aberystwyth and Newtown,” said Evans.
“These (Connah’s Quay) are going to be another step up again.
“They’ve got a big budget, big players and they’re up there with the likes of TNS, so it’s going to be tough.
“We’re the underdogs, nothing to lose, we’ll go out there and have a go.”
After signing from Taffs Well three years ago, he has already had his fair share of ups and downs with the Mellons.
A key highlight during his captaincy was leading STM to the Welsh Football League Division Two championship title last season.
The 29-year-old midfielder is looking forward to taking on Andy Morrison’s side.
“As captain, I’m just loving that the big games keep coming,” revealed the former Wellmen star.
“It’s massive just to be there. We’ve not got a big budget.
“These are all local boys and to lead the boys out is massive. We’ll just go out there and enjoy it.”
STM were formed in 2007, after bringing in players from Cardiff Cosmos Porto’s and Sunday League side Willows FC before beginning life in the Cardiff Combination Football League.
They would play their for four seasons until promotion to the South Wales Amateur League Division Thee at the end of 2010/11 campaign.
After thee promotions in five years followed, last years’ title winning season ensured the Llanrumney side would enter their first season in the competition.
The STM Sports skipper has praised the impact of the work done by the club on and off the pitch given their remarkable rise from their former Sunday League setup.
“it just shows if you’ve got the right people involved behind the scenes, the right players who want to do the right thing for the club,” continued Evans.
“Some of these boys have been offered to go to other places but they’ve stuck with the club and look where it’s got us.
“I’ve been at the club three seasons, but the boys who’ve been here throughout, it’s been pure hard work on and off the pitch, putting the foundations in place.
“You’ve got to have a bit of luck along the way, but work hard and it can happen.”
But with the big game that awaits them this Saturday, Evans said they will not be intimated by the Nomads and will travel to Mid Wales without any worry.
“We have no fear, it’s all on them. We’re just honoured to be where we are.
“We’re in the final, but we’re not there to make up the numbers, we’re going to have a go, it’s on them so it’s a free hit.
“We’ll just go there, play how we can and we can cause them problems.”
