RHAYADER Town will start as strong favourites when they travel to Gwent County League minnows Abercarn United, in the fourth round of the Welsh Trophy on Saturday.
The Red Kites are the final Mid Wales representatives in the national junior competition, with the final to be held at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium at the end of the season.
Manager Dylan McPhee was joined by veteran midfielder Mattie Lewis in underlining the importance of the clash.
“It is a huge game, probably the biggest since we re-formed as a club,” said McPhee. “We are just a few games away from playing at a Premier League ground, so obviously everyone is looking forward to the weekend.
“I must admit we have limited knowledge about Abercarn, but from what I am told they are a physical side and they will not be overawed by playing a side from a higher league.
“I suppose we will be favourites as we compete at a higher standard, but we will not be underestimating Abercarn as they will be just as keen to book a place in the next round.”
This season’s Welsh Trophy run is even more remarkable considering the club’s failure to get beyond the first round in previous years.
However McPhee hopes the fourth round fixture will not be marred by the lack of neutral officials - a problem which has blighted the competition this season.
“Carno, Llandrindod Wells and Newbridge have all gone out of the trophy this season and on each occasion their has been controversy because of a lack of neutral officials,” he said.
“I just hope the Welsh FA has heeded such complaints and ensured three neutral officials for these latter rounds.”
Former Newtown midfielder Lewis insists Welsh Trophy success with his hometown club would be among his greatest achievements as a player.
“It is great to be playing for my local club and of course it would be great for the club and the entire town were we to go all the way to the Liberty Stadium,” he said.
“However we are still some way off the final and we must ensure we keep on taking each game as it comes from now until the end of the season, as we have some big games coming up in all competitions.”
Midfielder Gareth Hughes is unavailable for the Abercarn match, but Rhayader welcome the return of goalkeeper Eifion Price and striker Christian Jones.