Wales C: FIVE players who could be influential in Caernarfon
The two Jones’ side came up just short in the previous two fixtures against England C, losing 3-2 at Rodney Parade, but gained a creditable 2-2 draw in the away fixture at the Peninsula Stadium.
Speaking to the FAW last month, Jones was in a defiant mood, outlaying that “sometimes you do have to go in as the underdog and in these fixtures we probably do, but we have a point to prove.”
As the meeting between the two sides at the Oval, home of JD Cymru Premier’s Caernarfon Town, on the 24th of March nears, we take a look at who will be the key men for Wales C.
Chris Hugh
Barry Town’s full Welsh international futsal player, Chris Hugh is arguably the JD Cymru Premier’s best left-back.
At 28 years of age, Hugh is full of experience and has been a regular for the Linnets this season, playing 21 times and scoring once.
Not only is Hugh defensively sound, but the former Merthyr Town left-back is also an outlet going forward, giving midfielders and defenders alike a constant passing option down the left flank.
With the stakes high against England C, dependability will be paramount and is a quality that Chris Hugh can provide.
Evan Press
Another of Barry Town’s defenders, Evan Press, despite being just 19 years of age, has impressed for the Linnets this season, with some commanding displays.
It has been a breakout season for Evan Press, as he has cemented his place in Barry Town’s side after joining in 2018 from Newport County.
One of Press’ most impressive attributes is his leadership and organising of the back four, whilst his ability on the ball is also a trait that epitomises his playing style as a ball-playing centre-back.
Despite missing out on a starting place for Wales C in 2019, Press’ form may earn him a place at the heart of the defence.
Aeron Edwards
The New Saints’ playmaker Aeron Edwards has had another successful year in the JD Cymru Premier, scoring six times from attacking midfield.
Since joining the Oswestry-based side in 2009, Edwards has lifted every major Welsh trophy on offer and is a serial winner of the JD Cymru Premier.
At 32 years of age, Aeron Edwards offers plenty of invaluable experience to Wales C’s side and if fit, is a guaranteed starter.
Having played in both games for Wales C in 2019, Edwards will know what to expect.
Chris Venables
Undoubtedly the most important player in the side, Chris Venables will be Wales C’s biggest goal threat.
The Lakesiders’ main man has been on fire this season and leads the JD Cymru Premier top scorers chart, with 21 goals to his tally.
Formerly of Aberystwyth Town, Venables, for his regular goal-scoring over numerous seasons, will go down as a modern-day JD Cymru Premier legend.
Having started for Wales C in the last two fixtures, Venables is certain to play for his country for the third year running.
Eliot Evans
Cardiff Metropolitan University’s talisman, Eliot Evans, is another who could have a large say in the outcome at the Oval.
Having scored eight times for Met this season, Evans is a player that has proven his quality in the JD Cymru Premier.
In similar vein to Chris Hugh, Evans is 28 years-old and has bags of experience to call upon, in what promises to he a fixture of high pressure and stakes.
Eliot Evans started in the 2-2 draw with England C in 2019 and therefore, will know what to expect, having had experience of playing in the famous red strip.
The fixture between Wales C and England C promises to be a fantastic occasion, and a positive result for Mark Jones and Owain Tudur Jones’ side would be symbolic of the growth in quality of the JD Cymru Premier in recent times.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
