| It's high noon for the full-timers |
| Friday 24 February 2012 |
 THE Welsh Premier's only full-time clubs, The New Saints and Neath, clash in a Welsh Cup tie that kicks off at 12.30 for the benefit of the S4/C cameras. Beaten 2-1 at Park Hall by the Eagles three weeks ago, the Saints are eager to make amends after two excellent away wins in the league, at Prestatyn and Llanelli. "That defeat against Neath was probably our worst performance of the season," says head coach Carl Darlington. Neath manager Kris O'Leary says: "We would have preferred a home draw but we went to Flint and did the job and we now need to repeat that success against Saints. "But it should be a cracking tie and one we will look forward to. If we apply ourselves correctly we can get to the semi-finals." There are only three points separating the sides in the league with Neath on a superb 13-match unbeaten sequence. Half an hour later, Bala and Llanelli kick-off at Maes Tegid with visiting manager Andy Legg anxious to end a run of four defeats. "We want to be in the hat for the semis so the lads will not need motivating because they would love to repeat last year's success," he told the Llanelli Star. "It's a great competition and we were thrilled to win it last time. It's not only the trophy that is at stake but a place in Europe. "It will be difficult up there as the pitch is not in good condition but much damage was caused by the league, insisting that their match with Afan Lido went ahead. "That was not Bala's fault as neither manager was keen to play but, with the rain we have had this week, the pitch is going to be very heavy and cut up. "But it's the same for both sides and it is the team who copes better with the conditions who will make it through." Home manager Colin Caton insists he can handle the increasing pressure after securing a place in the top six. "We would rather be playing the big clubs than fighting relegation," he declared. Lakesiders' striker Ian Sheridan is cup-tie, having appeared for Airbus earlier in the competition against Wrexham. Photo: Greg Draper scored for TNS in the recent league game won by Neath. |