Village ready for Rhyl roadshow

When Llanrhaeadr were drawn out of the hat to play at home in the Welsh Cup tomorrow, a reassuring smile came to the faces of its committee. But when giants, Rhyl, followed out of the hat, the roar could be heard across the Mid Wales football scene.

The Spar Mid Wales League leaders will take on the Huws Gray Alliance leaders in what is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing ties of the round, but unfortunately for the club, their most experienced player will be watching from the sidelines.

Former Guilsfield defender Emyr Roberts (right) has been instrumental in keeping four consecutive league clean sheets for the villagers on their way to the summit, but a knock picked up at Dyffryn Banw last week means he will miss the club’s big day.

“It is disappointing to miss out and I probably could manage if it was heavily bandaged but we have a long season ahead with a lot of games,” he said.

“I got to the quarter finals of the Welsh Cup a few years ago with Guilsfield and it would be nice to have a good run this year with Llanrhaeadr but the league is our priority so we have to put things into perspective.

“Rhyl is a massive club. They will bring up to 150 supporters so we are urging the people from Llanrhaeadr and the surrounding villages to come and give us some support. We hope for a crowd of over 300 on the day.”

Roberts has credited Llanrhaeadr’s cautious approach this season to their lofty position. A standard 4-4-2 deploys two holding centre midfielders, allowing two wide men to push forward. There is strength in depth with a reserve team introduced this season to bring through local talent.

“The club is in a strong position. There has been a lot of hard work off the pitch and I have really enjoyed returning here from Guilsfield.”

Despite never playing Rhyl before, Roberts says he will resist the temptation to strap-up and leave it to his team mates. He admits the odds “are not good” for his side but, with nothing to lose, he says you should not rule the villagers out just yet!