Hughsey: "We're Full of Confidence"

Ian Hughes was full of praise and admiration for the way his side ground out a result on Deeside on Saturday, writes Club Media Assistant Matthew Wallace. Having gone behind to a Les Davies strike early on, Aber fought back with goals from skipper Stuart Jones and last year’s top scorer Chris Venables ensuring that the three points would be returning to the Cambrian coast with Town. Although Town conceded their first league goal in three matches, the defensive performance from all in the squad made it a memorable trip for everyone involved.

“It wasn’t the prettiest of games but we’ve done extremely well! The defence has been the backbone of this side over the past three or four weeks. We know that we’ve got the capability to score goals with the talent we’ve got in this side. We’ve got goals in this team but we're making sure we keep things tight at the back and the players have been working hard at that. “

“There’s a new found mentality in our team now not concede goals and that all eleven players need to do that. Ross Stephens, Luke Sherbon and Chris Venables were excellent in midfield and the way Venables burst into the box to score that goal shows the desire and belief the squad has. One minute he’s defending then he’s up the other end getting on the end of a cross.”

Despite the victory, Hughes was full of praise for his opposite number and the squad at his disposal.

“We had to change things after 20 minutes. GAP Connahs Quay were excellent and they controlled things. They were unfortunate to lose the game. We’ve been somewhat fortunate to get our points against them. We snatched a late goal at home and they’ve played well today and still lost the game. They’re a good side but we’re pleased to have taken four points off a side that’s going to be competitive as well as taking four points off Bala recently.”
  
Town have had to reshuffle the pack somewhat over recent weeks. With an increasingly demanding fixture list to fulfill and a number of injuries being sustained, a real squad mentality has developed within the camp. A sense of togetherness and unity has helped the Seasiders pick up crucial points despite being up against the odds.
 
“Cledan Davies and Darren Thomas, who was carrying a knock, came on and did very well for us and of course Liam Jaques who made his first team debut in the league for the last few minutes. It’s great that I’ve got that in my squad where I can rely on each and every player to come on and do a job when needed. Sion James is a centre half but right now he looks like he’s playing right back all his career and the same with Craig Williams.”
  
This Friday night now sees Aber host current leaders and reigning champions TNS in a student promotion evening. Students at the Town’s university can receive discounted entry to the game.
 
“They haven’t lost all season! A number of teams have tried but failed to beat them so that’s a challenge for us right there. We’re not an easy side to play against at home. We’re full of confidence. We fully respect the management and players of TNS and know we’re in for a tough game but we know we can do it. It was great to hear the crowd that travelled with us today getting behind us and supporting the team, especially near the end. That bit of support gives us that bit of a boost you need sometimes in games. Hopefully we can get people down, get the students in, make a bit of a noise which could help us win the game.”

Aberystwyth Town host League Leaders The New Sainst thos Friday evening with a 7.45pm kick off. A full preview will follow tomorrow.