Bish: "I'm Delighted to be in the Next Round"

For three of the past four seasons, Aberystwyth Town have come up against Holywell Town in the Welsh Cup. On both previous occasions, the Cymru Alliance team proved to be tough opposition, requiring a goal down to win in 2013 and a penalty shootout victory in 2014.

Saturday proved no different as a resilient Wellmen side came to Park Avenue. Although much credit must go to the team from a league lower, Aber produced a professional performance as they secured progression to the fourth round with a 2-0 victory thanks to first half goals from Kurtis March and Luke Borelli.

“I’m delighted to be in the next round. It was always going to be a difficult game for us as Holywell are a decent team. We were in a no win situation today. We were expected to win but if we didn’t it would be seen as a disaster” Manager Matthew Bishop told Aber Town Reporter Matthew Wallace at the end of the game.

Despite progression, the boss still sees avenues for improvement for the Seasiders.

“I was disappointed with the performance first half. We were far too open for my liking. We lost a bit of shape and discipline. We were better second half, there are still areas for improvement.”

“We discussed a lot at half time and we were better second half. It almost turned  into a basketball game at the end where we attacked then they did. There were spaces as a result but we didn’t take the chances.”

Aber created a whole host of chances with Chris Jones, Luke Borrelli, Geoff Kellaway, Luke Sherborn, Will Bell and Blake Davies all going close for the Black and Greens.

“We could have won the game more comfortably, we created plenty of chances but credit to Holywell for sticking to their chance. Geoff and Luke are frustrated in the dressing room as they could have had a couple more today.”

With Saturday’s game against Bangor succumbing to a frozen pitch in the Rhondda on Sunday, Bishop’s men are left to concentrate on the crucial run in ahead of the all important split in Mid January. Until then, all thoughts of cup progression will be the last thing on the agenda within the dressing room according to Bish.

“I have no preferences who we get in the next round. Irrespective of who we get, we’ve got a job to do. I’m pleased today. We’ve got on the scoresheet and kept a clean sheet. We’ll just go game to game and build towards the  game on 14th January and worry about the cup after that".

Watch the full interview with Matthew Bishop on Aber Town's Youtube Channel here.

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