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Reigning FAW Amateur Trophy champions Trethomas Bluebirds are one game away from reaching the final of the second biggest domestic cup competition in Wales once again.
The Bluebirds will travel to Carmarthen on Saturday March 23 to face former Cymru North outfit, Penrhyncoch FC, in a mouth-watering semi-final clash.
It’s sure to be a tough test for the Ardal South East leaders. They’ll play an Aberystwyth-based side who haven’t lost a match since October.
The match arguably couldn’t have come at a better time for Mark Dunford’s Bluebirds however, who are coming off the back of a mightily impressive “statement win” over league rivals Goytre AFC.
Dunford gave his thoughts to Caerphilly Observer ahead of the game and said: “We’re coming off arguably our best performance of the season against Goytre, so we’re full of confidence.
“It’s still important to plan for each game however, and although we’re feeling good after that statement win, we’re not trying to be over-confident.”
Dunford went on to say how he had managed to watch the table-topping Ardal North East side play in preparation for the weekend’s match: “From what I’ve seen and heard they’re a very good side and we expect them to be fully prepared for the match.
“They were a Cymru North side last season and by the looks of it they’ll be heading straight back up so I’d argue they’re the best side still left in the competition.
“The pitch in Carmarthen is 4G and they play on grass so there might be something in that, but I expect a side of their quality to cope with the conditions well.”
The Bluebirds manager said he was pleased with the venue selected by the FAW, describing Richmond Park as a “lovely ground”.
When it comes to absentees, Dunford explained how Harvey Selway – recently signed from rivals from Risca United – and defender William Bevan will both miss out due to suspension.
Top scorer for the club this season, Levi Rees, will be assessed closer to the weekend after picking up a hamstring injury a few weeks ago.
If the Bluebirds do manage to win, they’ll face the winner of Cefn Cribwr and Newport City, setting-up a potential all-Gwent final.
Dunford concluded by saying both semi-finals are on a “real knife edge”.
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