Craig Papirnyk urges Porthmadog to push on against Junction
Craig Papirnyk saw his Porthmadog side pull off an excellent result on the opening day of the Huws Gray Alliance as they defeated Gresford by two goals to nil at Y Traeth.
Knowing his side have a tough run of fixtures to start the season, Papirnyk is delighted with the result and will instruct his side to use their confidence gained from the win against newly promoted Llandudno Junction on Saturday afternoon.
“It was a very good win for us, Gresford are a strong side and we knew it was going to be a tough start, it was great to come away with all the points on the opening day and we can take confidence from the win.”
Whilst experienced Huws Gray Alliance side Porthmadog play the role as favourites for this game, Papirnyk will not be taking Junction lightly and recognises the summer recruitment campaignJunction have overseen.
“I expect it to be another tough game, Junction have strengthened very well and added players who have Cymru alliance experience! They had a really tough opening fixture and come away with a narrow defeat at Airbus so I am sure they’ll have taken a lot of confidence from that result and they will be looking to get a home win this coming weekend.”
But Junction aren’t the only ones to have been active in this summer’s transfer window, as Porthmadog secured the signature of striker Joe Chaplin for the 17/18 season. Papirnyk speaks of the exciting prospects Chaplin brings on his arrival to Y Traeth.
“I met Joe in person and immediately got on with him, his attitude is fantastic and he believes in what we are trying to do at Port.
He wants to improve and be successful and is self driven which a great quality to have. On the field I was really impressed with him every time I watched him play, he’s got a natural eye for goal and a great work ethic, I’m sure he’ll be up there this season amongst the highest in the league.”
Other Porthmadog signings include commanding defender Tom Taylor, and Papirnyk tells Y Clwb Pel Droed there may be more transfer activity to come from the club yet.
“I’ve recently signed Tom Taylor a very strong centre half but there could be one or two more additions. It’s important to me that we have a strong squad this season, we will have lots of games and having that strength in depth will be a big help to us.”
With the likes of Rhyl, Airbus, Caernarfon and indeed Porthmadog now all competing in the same league, Papirnyk predicts a higher standard of football than ever before the season ahead.
“It’s a fantastic league, just look at the clubs in it! The standard is going to be higher than ever before and I think we are in for a real treat this season, every week there’s some huge clashes so for the neutral it’s going to be a thrilling season for sure!”
After finishing fourth last season, he hopes to see Porthmadog challenge for the top spot but also enjoy a cup run in what will be another big season for the club.
“Obviously we want to be challenging and emulate last seasons league finish , we’ve got three cup competitions so I’d really like a good cup run and we’ll be doing our best to be successful this season. No doubt it’s going to be a tough campaign and whoever is at the top come the end will be deserved champions in a very very competitive league!”
Porthmadog travel to face Llandudno Junction for a 2:30pm on Saturday 19 August.
Featured Image: Porthmadog FC
