Last season’s surprise package Cefn Druids are propping up the Welsh Premier League table after three straight defeats, but they will have their sights set on a return to winning ways tonight in the Nathaniel MG Cup.
A win against Cymru Alliance outfit Airbus UK however is far from guaranteed.
While the Wingmakers have soared to the top of the second tier Cymru Alliance, Ancients boss Huw Griffiths has been left to rue his side’s bad luck after late goals in their last two outings have robbed them off points.
An 95th-minute goal from Henry Jones left Cefn Druids emptyhanded against Bala Town on the weekend; the week before, they were sunk by a penalty four minutes into added time as Llanelli snatched a 3-2 win at The Rock.
Despite the slow return of points, there should be no need to panic – Huw Griffiths drilled Cefn Druids into one of the most organised and efficient sides in the WPL last season and having further strengthened during the summer transfer window. They can be expected to have another good campaign and forthcoming league fixtures against Llandudno, Cardiff Met and Carmarthen are all winnable games on paper.
The challenge for the Ancients right now is to just get up and running. Any sort of win, regardless of how it comes, scrappy or fortunate, would be welcomed and give the side the momentum to build on in coming weeks.
The Welsh Premier League Cup might prove to be the perfect tonic, away from expectation of the Welsh Premier League. That is not to say an adequate performance is not required but Cefn Druids have the right mentality and quality to bring Airbus’ unbeaten stretch to an end and kick-start their own season.
