Llangennech manager Nathan McAuley admitted he was still coming to terms with his side’s achievement after they secured a place in the last 16 of the Welsh Cup with a 1-0 victory over Newport City.
A first-half strike from Scott Jones proved the difference between the sides, as Llangennech produced another impressive cup performance to continue their run in the competition.
Newport City were unable to find a way through despite applying pressure after the interval, with goalkeeper Jack Williams producing several important saves to preserve the clean sheet and secure a memorable victory for the hosts.
McAuley praised his players for delivering a performance that had been carefully prepared throughout the week, insisting they fully deserved their place in the next round.
Llangennech’s detailed preparation pays off against Newport City
McAuley revealed that Llangennech had spent much of the week preparing specifically for Newport, with the management team using video analysis and detailed training sessions to identify where they could cause their opponents problems.
The manager said his players had trained on four or five nights during the week, focusing on the areas they believed could prove decisive.
Having previously produced a strong performance against Pontardawe Town and Cwmbran Town, Llangennech were determined to approach the Newport tie with the same level of preparation and belief.
“We prepared well and the boys fully deserved that,” McAuley said
“I thought they were outstanding. But we dealt with Newport in where we thought they’d punish us, and I thought the game plan we produced was the one… and we planned it all week again.”
“We stuck to the game plan, we trained four or five nights this week, on detail and around Newport, with the analysis and everything.”
Llangennech’s use of direct balls over the top also caused problems for Newport, with McAuley explaining that his side had anticipated their opponents would look to play forward.
He believed his players executed their approach particularly well in the first half, when they took the lead through Jones.
“We knew that. We had so much analysis of them. We knew that they’d try and go direct and we knew we could hurt them,” he added.
“The game plan was always to believe in ourselves, believe that we can go and cause another upset, believe that we can get another result.”
Scott Jones strike and Jack Williams saves seal famous win
Jones’ first-half goal gave Llangennech something to protect, and McAuley was delighted with the way his side’s attacking players took responsibility when opportunities presented themselves.
The manager revealed that his message to the players had been to get shots away whenever they found themselves in and around the penalty area.
Jones delivered when it mattered, with McAuley praising the quality of the finish and highlighting the forward’s ability to produce important goals.
“We said anything in and around the area, you’ve got to get some shots off,” he said.
“Create as many opportunities as we can and express yourself. You know Scotty, he’s done it a few times last season and this season, once he gets it on target and he catches it right there’s only one place it’s going.”
“Great goal and obviously it puts us through to the next round, which we are absolutely buzzing about.”
Newport were expected to respond after the break, and McAuley admitted his side knew they would have to withstand periods of pressure.
That is where Williams proved particularly important, producing a number of key interventions to ensure Llangennech held on for the victory.
McAuley was full of praise for his goalkeeper, describing him as a key figure throughout the season and pointing to his previous performances as evidence of the quality he possesses.
“Jack has been fantastic for us, he’s been really key for us this year,” he said.
“We know with Jack, he’s got that in him as well.”
The clean sheet was a significant part of Llangennech’s achievement, with Williams’ second-half contribution helping turn a narrow advantage into a place in the last 16.
Welsh Cup progress provides financial boost as Llangennech build history
Reaching the last 16 represents a significant moment for Llangennech, with McAuley believing the players are beginning to create their own history for the club.
He was particularly pleased that the achievement reflected the hard work put in by the squad both on and off the pitch.
“For the last 16 of the Welsh Cup for this club, we’re just building our own history and it means so much for us to progress,” he said.
“The boys deserve it because they worked hard this week, and everything they’ve done off the pitch, they deserve that moment.”
The victory also brought a major crowd to the club, with McAuley estimating that around 450 supporters had attended the game.
He believes that level of backing can make a real difference financially, helping the club with the costs of running its facilities, including the club shop, while also providing the players with an atmosphere to thrive in.
“For what you see in the fanbase, I think it’s our biggest yet, touching 450 I think we had today,” he said.
“So, massive crowd, obviously helps with the financial side of things, running the shop and things like that.
“But look at the support. We need that, obviously with the supporters coming down and getting behind the team.”
With a place in the last 16 secured, attention will eventually turn towards the next draw and the possibility of another memorable cup occasion.
However, McAuley insisted his side would not lose sight of their league commitments, with the focus now switching back to domestic action next week.
As for the celebrations following the Newport victory, the manager was in no doubt that his players had earned the opportunity to enjoy the moment.
“We’re going to enjoy it. I think the boys deserve it and, yeah, I’m going to worry about that tomorrow.”
