Matthew Burgess breaks down Sunday’s Welsh Cup final.
It’s been a considerably long time since either Connah’s Quay or Aberystwyth tasted Welsh Cup success – 89 years for Connah’s Quay and a 118 for Aberystwyth, to be precise, which means both clubs will be savouring the thought of lifting the famous old trophy at Latham Park this weekend.
The historical aspect is just part of the backdrop of what promises to be a fascinating game, comprising of two established in sides in the modern-era of Welsh domestic football, and both of whom have contrasting styles of play.
It’ll be Aberystwyth who are the underdogs as far as the bookmakers are concerned but in Nev Powell they have a manager with proven record in the Welsh Cup, as a three-time winner. Powell’s counterpart, the fiercely passionate Andy Morrison, will be determined to make his mark and etch his name into the Connah’s Quay history books.
The two Welsh Premier League meetings between the sides this season resulted in one win apiece, so just how will this one go?
THE TACTICS
Connah’s Quay: I expect Andy Morrison to have given a lot of thought on his side’s shape for Sunday, with them playing two up-front in a 4-4-2 against Cefn Druids last weekend. Although it was intended as an attacking formation with Andy Owens and Michael Wilde leading the line, the midfield four lacked penetration and the duo were starved off service in what was a frustrating performance by the Nomads. Connah’s Quay have used a 4-5-1 more frequently this season and I think Morrison will revert back to his tried and tested system here. Connah’s Quay strength lies in their defensive resilience and their dominating defence is often the platform of the team’s best performances.
Aberystwyth: Nev Powell has favoured a 4-1-3-2 this season and it would be a surprise to see him move away from what looks a settled line-up. One the most impressive aspects of Aberystwyth’s campaign his season has been their cavalier approach despite their lowly league position. Aber are very much a side better going forwards than they are without the ball, and their full-backs Declan Walker and Matthew Jones contribute significantly towards the Seasiders’ effectiveness in the final third. For a team which play with four in defence it is a bold approach indeed.
THE ONES TO WATCH
Connah’s Quay: Andy Owens – the centre-forward can play up on his own well and is a serious threat in and outside of the box. A good finisher and all-round centre-forward.
Aberystwyth: Declan Walker – the right-back returned to the Welsh Premier League this season reunited with former manager Nev Powell and has made a huge impact at Aber. Can create, can score goals and a danger from free-kicks.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Connah’s Quay:
Support in attacking areas to prevent Andy Owens becoming isolated up-front
Exploit the space left by Aber’s full-backs when counter-attacking
Pressure Aberystwyth’s central defenders
Aberystwyth:
Defensive concentration and organisation
Look for overloads out wide with full-backs getting forward
Stretch Connah’s Quay’s defence
MY VERDICT
I’m expecting a very close game and think the importance of the occasion might just get the better of both teams in periods of the game and chances could go begging. Both teams are definitely capable of getting on the scoresheet but Connah’s Quay’s resilience and the potential of a possible defensive lapse from Aberystwyth could just edge the Nomads to victory – Connah’s Quay to win 2-1 a.e.t. Sorry Aber!