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Trethomas Bluebirds are “fully prepared” to take on Cymru Premier champions The New Saints (TNS) in what will be one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.
Both the Bluebirds and TNS are undefeated this season, as the pair will battle it out in the third oldest domestic cup competition in the world on Saturday November 11.
The professional outfit that is TNS are due to welcome the Bluebirds to Park Hall stadium, Oswestry, for a 2pm kick-off on Saturday, with everyone fully expecting the defending Welsh Cup champions to win.
However, despite being two divisions below them in the Ardal South East, Trethomas couldn’t be coming into this tie with more confidence.
Manager Mark Dunford’s men have conceded just two goals and scored 27 in the league this season, as they look to gain promotion into the Cymru South – the second division of Welsh football.
Speaking to Caerphilly Observer ahead of the mouth-watering match-up, Dunford said: “It’s a top draw, these are the games you live for as a manager and the boys feel the same.
“We’ve had a few games called off in the run-up to this because of the weather which can be a good or bad thing. It means we’re at full strength, but we’ve had to train harder to compensate for a lack of match sharpness.
“We’re fully prepared and feel like we’ve done all we can. Everyone knows how dominant they are but both sides are unbeaten and something has to give.”
Despite being underdogs, not many sides love a cup run more than Trethomas. The Bluebirds’ list of recent scalps began in 2022, when they lifted the Ardal South Cup with a 1-0 win over Cardiff Draconians in the final.
Fast-forward a season, and the club landed one of its biggest-ever wins with a last minute, 2-1 victory over top division side Haverfordwest in the Welsh Cup.
Trethomas lost in the next round, however that allowed them to turn their attention to the FAW Amateur Trophy, in which they met Denbigh Town in the final of a competition that started with 250 teams.
The Bluebirds went on to win that final 2-1, and lifted the second biggest cup trophy in Wales, second to the Welsh Cup.
Regardless of their history as giant slayers, Dunford and his team are under no illusions heading into this test: “It’s a monumental challenge and we’ll need the stars to align if we’re to get anything out of it, it’s a proper David v Goliath game.
“When you think about how TNS are up there training whilst my lads are in work, there’s a huge gap and we know that. We’ll be going up Friday and staying over so the boys are rested and ready to go.
“It’s sure to be a great occasion for everyone in the area and club, from the kit man through to the committee. We can’t wait.”
TNS manger Craig Harrison has stressed he will not be taking the Bluebirds lightly in an interview ahead of the match.
The former Crystal Palace defender said his side have done their homework on Trethomas, and are fully aware of the threat they could pose if they’re not on top of their game.
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