Niall Flint: Underdog status gives Cefn Druids added determination

Cefn Druids’ Niall Flint has expressed that their underdog status has sparked a determination to prove people wrong by having a successful season.

Druids finished last season at the foot of the table, recording 16 points from 32 games, succumbing to 24 defeats. 

They were spared relegation by the Cymru North and Cymru South season not going ahead.

Cefn Druids are expected to be in a relegation dogfight this season, but Flint stated his eagerness to prove the doubters wrong. 

“It definitely gives us added determination,” he insisted.

“We’re on the training pitch each week. We’re the players who can turn it around and prove people wrong. It does give us determination to go out there and prove to the outside world that it won’t be the case. 

“Being a part of Druids this season, I spoke to the manager and the chairman over pre-season about how I wanted to stay and be part of a new vision for the club. I want to be a part of turning things around. 

“Last season was disappointing, but I want to be a part of a successful team this season.

“I really want the club to stop being the underdogs. I think Druids have been the underdogs for a few seasons now. I want to turn that around and bring the buzz back to the club.”

Over the summer, Niall McGuinness has been appointed manager and has made wholesale changes to the squad. 

With a number of in-going and out-going players, Flint expressed that their underdog status has brought a togetherness to the squad.

“I think we’ve all got a point to prove as players. It’s a very competitive league, anyone can beat anyone. 

“I think the new lads coming in, they’ve brought a lot more to the team compared to where we were last season. 

“We’ve strengthened, got experience and young hungry lads who have all got a point to prove. 

“We’ve got a strong core of players, so if we all put the effort in, we’ll be more than fine at the end of the season.”

Druids started their campaign with a 2-0 loss at home to champions Connah’s Quay Nomads. 

In front of returning fans at The Rock, Joseph Faux’s own-goal, along with George Horan’s second-half header secured an opening victory for the Nomads. 

Despite Druids falling to defeat, Flint insisted that there are several positives to take from the game.

“You’ve got to be very switched on against Connah’s Quay and we conceded early on. 

“But once we conceded, if we did that last season, players would have folded, and it would have been a really heavy score-line. 

“After Saturday, we can take a lot of positives. Once we conceded, our heads didn’t drop, we defended well as a unit and we were very organised. 

“We don’t want to make losing a habit, so we move straight onto the next game and get points on the board early.”

Cefn Druids now face a tough test, making the trip to face Flint Town United. 

Neil Gibson’s men started the campaign in dominant fashion, recording a 5-1 victory at Cardiff Metropolitan University. 

While midfielder Flint expects a difficult game, he insisted that the Druids can compete.

“It’s going to be a competitive game. It’s going to be down to who wants it more, who wins the first and second balls. 

“Of course, they’ve got a strong front three that scored against Cardiff Met, so they’ll be clinical. 

“We just have to match them, work rate will be massive. They’re a hard-working team, very direct and we just have to compete. 

“With the lads that have come in, there’s no reason why we can’t get something out of the game.”

(Featured Image: Mike Plunkett)