JD Welsh Cup Preview: Haseldin’s Holywell look to upset Aber
Saturday’s JD Welsh Cup third round sees Aberystwyth welcome Holywell Town to Park Avenue, with both teams familiar with one another over recent seasons.
Aberystwyth were victorious in the sides’ last meeting in February 2015 and before that in April 2014, but a determined Holywell side will look to change that record on the back of some old fashioned Welsh Cup spirit.
As one of the round’s giants, Welsh Premier League side Aberystwyth will be looking for a reaction after last Friday disappointing result at home to Bala Town.
The Black and Green’s season looked to be picking up after their return to Park Avenue after a 3G pitch installation, which was followed by a three game unbeaten run.
However, the past month has been a torrid one for the club, losing three consecutive WPL fixtures and having to deal with serious damage to their floodlights after a tornado with 90mph winds hit the seaside.
Meanwhile, the tie’s minnows Holywell Town have had a great start to their season.
Winning seven from 13, they sit 7th in the Huws Gray Alliance table and are well placed to climb it with a game in hand. Furthermore, a postponed clash against Llanfair United means Saturday’s cup game is two weeks in the making for the Wellmen.
Clwb Pel Droed spoke to Holywell Town manager John Haseldin on the Aberystwyth test.
“It’s a game everyone at the club is looking forward to. We have done exceptionally well in this competition in recent years and it has given us some great memories along the way.
“We go to Aberystwyth under no illusions how difficult of a game we have and really on paper it should be a mismatch, away from home on a 3G surface, losing Shaun Tuck with a suspension, even having the kick off put back has hit our preparation.
“We know all our players will have to be at a maximum on the day if we are to have a glimmer of hope of getting into the next round but in football and the Welsh Cup you just never know.”
The game kicks off at an earlier time of 1:30pm, meaning either Aberystwyth or Holywell will be one of the first sides to confirm their place in the JD Welsh Cup fourth round.
