Welsh Premier League Football - Bridgend bid to make Welsh Cup history

BRIDGEND Town bid to make history when the face Bangor City in the first of the Welsh Cup semi-finals on Saturday.
During the club’s glory days back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, they just missed out on a Welsh Cup final appearance and the clash with Cardiff City in March 1977 was one of the best games seen at their old Coychurch Road headquarters.
Bridgend turned in one of their finest performances and only lost 2-1 to the high-flying Bluebirds.
“It would be a fantastic achievement for Bridgend if we could beat Bangor City and get to the final,” says manager Drewe Phillips.
“We have a strong squad this season and, as everyone knows, anything can happen in a one off cup tie.”
Phillips will be selecting from a 17-strong squad with Ian Turner ruled out as he previously represented former club Goytre United in the competition this season. There is also a doubt regarding the availability of Wales Under-18 international Matthew De Cae.
Holders Bangor saw-off Welsh League opposition is last season's semi before lifting the trophy at Latham Park and manager Nev Powell wants his side to stay focused.
"Bridgend are from a league below us, the Welsh League South, and have some former Welsh Premier pros in their squad," says Powell.
“But it will be about us and we have a professional job to do. With the right commitment we plan to battle our way through to the final.
“This is what the season is all about so far as we are concerned and the players know what they have to do after last summer’s trip to Sweden."
City’s squad is likely to be unchanged, despite a wisdom tooth problem for striker Les Davies, while defenders Michael Johnston and Dave Swanick have shrugged off injuries.
Photo: Sion Edwards celebrates with Mike Walsh as Bangor beat Newport YMCA in last season's semi-final.