JD Welsh Cup Final Preview

JD Welsh Cup Final
Sunday 6th May (2:45p.m Kick Off)
Aberystwyth Town v Connah's Quay Nomads
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Aberystwyth Town will look to create history on Sunday afternoon as they seek to win their first JD Welsh Cup title since the year 1900. Aber will clash with Connah’s Quay Nomads in the JD Welsh Cup Final at Newtown’s Latham Park – the home of their last cup victory over a century ago.
 
Aber’s path to the final has been far from straightforward and the seasiders have certainly earned their place in Sunday’s final on merit. The first hurdle for Town to clear came back in November, when they thumped current cup holders Bala Town 4-0 in the third round tie at Park Avenue thanks to goals from Declan Walker, John Owen, Joe Phillips and Luke Borrelli. Following that victory came another difficult looking fourth round tie away at Cardiff Met in January, but the black and greens dug in and ground out a brilliant 1-0 win thanks to Malcolm Melvin’s deft header. Next it was west-Wales rivals Carmarthen Town in the quarterfinal tie at Richmond Park. On a cold Tuesday night, the odds looked to be stacked against Nev Powell’s side, but Aber ran out comfortable 3-1 victors thanks to goals from Joe Phillips, John Owen and Malcolm Melvin. Another derby game was to follow as Aber were drawn against mid-Wales rivals Newtown in a semi-final clash to be played at Bala’s Maes Tegid. In a Sunday lunchtime kick off, the Green Army of supporters assembled in force and roared their team on to the JD Welsh Cup final, as a brace from Declan Walker saw the seasiders go marching on to being 90 minutes away from lifting the silverware and booking their place in the Europa League.
 
Aber enter Sunday’s final on an excellent run of form, unbeaten in their previous four games in all competitions, most recently a thrilling 5-3 victory over Newtown in the league’s final round of games last weekend. Sadly First Team Manager Seamus Heath, who is recovering after a lobectomy, will not be well enough to attend the Cup Final, however Town’s players will be full of confidence heading into Sunday’s game, and the entire squad will most certainly have their part to play at Latham Park if Aber are to reign victorious and lift the trophy.
 
Sunday’s opponents Connah’s Quay Nomads enter the final having lost their last two games in succession - against Cefn Druids and The New Saints. However, Andy Morrison’s side will be well prepared for Sunday’s clash and will start the game as favourites after already booking their place in next season’s Europa League with a 3rd placed finish in the league table this season (Bangor finished 2nd but have been relegated to the Cymru Alliance league next year). One familiar face on the opposing side on Sunday will be Nomads defender Jonny Spittle, who captained the seasiders during the first half of this year’s campaign, before coming to the end of his contract with the club in January.
 
In what is sure to be a monumental day in the history of the club, kick off at Latham Park is at 2:45p.m. Supporters will be unable to park outside the ground as they usually would for league fixtures, and are encouraged instead to park in the Primary School next to Latham Park instead – which has a postcode of SY16 1EJ. Supporters coaches will leave Park Avenue at 11:30 on Sunday, and Tea / Coffe and Bacon Rolls will be served at Phil & Ruth’s kitchen from 9:30a.m prior to departure. The Green Army of travelling fans have been immense all season, and we ask you to raise your voices one more time and cheer the side on to victory!
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Supporters are also reminded that Bari Morgan’s u19’s FAW South League Champions will contest the FAW Youth Championship Game at Latham Park at 6p.m on Monday evening, as they face off with The New Saints u19’s for the right to lift the trophy as FAW Development Champions.