Football: Llandudno Junction FC boss sets top five target

Jan 1 2009 By Tim Channon

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION manager Shane Cartwright has set his side a New Year challenge of a top five finish in the Design2Print Welsh Alliance, after a Christmas derby double over Conwy United and a run of just one defeat in seven games.

"We are starting to get a winning mentality which is pleasing," said the manager. "It has taken time to turn things around here, but the players have worked very hard and we are getting there.

"We are no longer a side where teams can come expecting an easy three points and I have set the players the challenge now of a top five finish which I believe is attainable if we maintain the progress that we have made."

Junction are now up to 10th in the table and are currently only six points off the top five, although four of the teams they would hope to overtake do have games in hand, and they face a big test this Saturday at home to fifth-placed Pwllheli.

Paul Cassidy got the only goal of the game in last Saturday's 1-0 win to complete a Christmas double over their neighbours, taking a return pass from Ben Thomas to be left one-on-one with the keeper and finishing well.

Both sides had chances on a difficult surface that cut up as the game progressed, but Liam Ewing made a couple of important saves for Junction and Terry McBride, who has played really well since being switched into the centre of the back four, had another outstanding game.

There was also a good debut on the left for 18-year-old Shaun Leyshon from Old Colwyn and the manager added he will continue to give chances to promising youngsters from the reserves who are currently in second place in Division One of the Clwyd League.

For Conwy, back to back defeats against Llandudno Junction means they have now lost four in a row and manager Eifion Hughes has some work to do to restore some belief ahead of Saturday's trip to Llanberis.