Mathew Jones: Morale at Aberystwyth “best it’s been” ahead of Barry clash

Aberystwyth Town’s Mathew Jones has hailed the team morale at Park Avenue ahead of their Cymru Premier curtain-raiser against Barry Town. 

This year will mark Antonio Corbisiero’s first full season in charge of the club, after he replaced Gavin Allen as manager. 

Corbisiero has worked quickly to make his stamp on the squad, bringing in the likes of Alex Darlington, Owen Orford, Sam Phillips and Gregor Zabret. 

The Seasiders also have a strong contingent of local players, which Jones expressed is key to the positive feeling within the camp.

“We had a few ups and downs last season with players and staff leaving. They were players that I’ve been close to and had been there a while.

“It was nice to see that the majority of players have stayed, which gives us a good bond heading into the season. 

“We’ve got a lot of local players and it feels like I’m playing with my mates. It’s more of a team feeling this year because we all understand each other and the club. 

“We all get along really well so with regards to morale and how the team is looking, it’s probably the best it’s been since I’ve been at the club.”

Aberystwyth begin their Cymru Premier campaign welcoming Barry Town to Park Avenue. 

The Seasiders succumbed to two narrow defeats to the Linnets last season, falling to a 2-1 loss at home having been leading in the game and Barry reduced to ten men, as well as conceding a last-minute winner at Jenner Park in a 1-0 defeat.

At the end of the last campaign, Barry Town missed out on a European spot with a 3-1 play-off loss to Caernarfon Town.

Jones believes that last season’s disappointment will galvanise Barry, making them a dangerous first opponent.

“I’m expecting a really tough game. Every game against Barry is tough and they’re going to be well up for it. 

“They’ll give us their best shot and we’ll have to be ready for it. With the fact that they didn’t get into Europe, they’ll really push for it this season. 

“The game at home last year was a weird one, probably one of the weirdest I’ve been involved in. 

“We were winning, they went down to ten men and somehow, they score twice and end up taking the points. 

“I think this year we’ll fancy ourselves. I think we underachieve most years, but this year, I really have a good feeling about this team.”

(Featured Image: Mike James)