Football: Glan Conwy FC aim for Welsh Trophy glory

Feb 11 2010

GLAN Conwy will have glory in their sights when they travel to take on mighty Rhos Aelwyd in the quarter-finals of the FAW Welsh Trophy on Saturday.

Being drawn away to the Welsh National League Premier Division leaders was probably one of the toughest ties Jon Chapman’s side could have landed, but the Cae Ffwt clan need fear no-one after winning 3-1 at Llandudno Junction in the previous round.

Both of Saturday’s combatants have a history in this competition with Glan being beaten finalists in 2007 while Rhos lifted the Trophy a year later.

Glan boss Chapman believes his team can only improve on last Saturday’s dismal showing at Conwy United in a 2-1 Cookson Cup semi-final defeat.

"It was a terrible performance from ourselves, without taking anything away from a well-organised Conwy team," he said.

Chapman added: "It’s a huge game for us on Saturday against a very strong Rhos Aelwyd team.

"We are struggling with a couple of injuries, picked up last Saturday, and Joe Williams is away on holiday, but maybe going into the game as underdogs will do us a favour.

"I will be going into the game in confident mood even though recent results have gone against us.

"I am sure the players will bounce back after the disappointment of losing a semi- final last Saturday."

"Failure to clear our lines and lack of communication cost us the first goal on 44 minutes, when Sam Sinkinson turned a cross into his own net when under no pressure.

"We got back in the game on the hour when Aled Stapleton scored from 20 yards, with the Conwy players furious as referee Mike Gillham had appeared to have blown for a foul on Stapleton just as he shot, but he let the goal stand.

"Chris Quinn then had a free header from a long punt into the box to score the winner, but neither team created many clear-cut chances.

"We never really got going, gave possession away far too easily and created nothing. I was very disappointed and we will need to be a lot better this Saturday to get a result."

On the transfer front, Glan Conwy have signed striker Andy Booker from Denbigh Town. On Saturday, Booker scored four for Glan Conwy Reserves in a 6-0 win over Halkyn.

Glan have also put in seven days’ notice of approach for Llandudno Junction player James Hobson.