My thanks to first-team manager Tom Ammonds for sending me his considered thoughts ahead of the FAW Trophy, second-round tie against Radnor Valley at Llanandras Park on Saturday, 3 September.
“First of all, on behalf of the club, I would like to thank Mike Lewis from Castle Road for his generous sponsorship of this derby game,” said Tom.
“Also, can supporters please note the kick off time will be at 2.00pm, not 2.30pm as on the posters, as this is a Cup match and so they generally start at the earlier time.
“Since Rhosgoch’s demise, Radnor have strengthened and progressed.
“In successive seasons they have won win back-to-back promotions – first of all, they won the Mid Wales League (South) while they then finished runners up in the Spar Mid Wales League second division last season.
“So we shall be expecting a very tough game but, as it’s both a derby and a cup match you just never know as we will be under no real pressure to progress.
“I have had to mix the squads this week due to unavailability of some keys players with injuries but this gives some of the fringe players a chance to stake a claim for a place in the coming weeks.
“One player who will be missing is Ryan Stokes as his partner Beth gave birth this week, so I hope all is going well for them.
“John Cawley is suspended after his ‘save’ last week but should be available the week after as he only got a one-game ban.
“With the season now in full steam, I am actively looking to improve in certain areas and hope to announce a new signing in the next couple of days.”