Clubs chase Welsh Cup quarter-final places
Saturday 28 January 2012
Andy Preece BOTH managers expect a tough tussle as Afan Lido and Airbus UK Broughton clash in the only all-Welsh Premier clash of the Welsh Cup fourth round.
New Wingmakers' boss Andy Preece was impressed with Lido's 2-0 defeat of Aberystwyth last weekend: "They are a good side and we will have to be at our very best," he told the Daily Post.
"They are well organised, and carry a threat with their pace out wide.
"We will need to put something in place to stop them, and the lads already know where their strengths lie."
New midfield signing Luke Mack from Hyde could debut if international clearance comes through in time.
Home manager Andy Dyer fancies a cup run but cautions: "The rewards for winning the Welsh Cup are huge, but we are focusing merely on this match as it's dangerous to think too far ahead."
Dyer is without the suspended Liam Hancock, while Llanelli loanee Chad Bond is cup-tied and Stephen Pockett is injured.
Holders Llanelli face a tough task at Huws Gray Alliance Rhyl and manager Andy Legg is taking no chances. He watched the Lilywhites' 1-0 defeat at home to Llandudno and home boss Greg Strong says: “We all under-performed last week and I just hope Andy Legg went away happy and expecting an easy game against us in the cup."
Another Alliance club in search of glory are Cefn Druids, who visit Prestatyn Town's Bastion Gardens with manager Huw Griffiths concerned about lack of goals.
"We had enough chances to win two or three games last week, but did not take them and it cost us in the end," says the Ancients' boss whose problems have been compounded by loss of strikers Andrew Swarbrick and Paul Speed.
Three more HGA clubs are pitting their wits against Welsh Premier opposition. Bala Town should be given a good test by Alliance high-flyers Buckley Town at Globe Way, while Llandudno will be out to upset Aberystwyth at Park Avenue.
Flint Town United face a visit from full-timers Neath, but the biggest banana skin of the round could be at Richmond Park, where struggling Carmarthen host AFC Porth, the only remaining Welsh League side in the competition.
The New Saints should be too strong for Newport County, who will send their second string to Park Hall as they also have a crucial Blue Square Premier fixture at Gateshead.
Photo: New Airbus manager Andy Preece takes his charges to Afan Lido.