For the first time in their history, Aberystwyth Town have reached the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
As you would expect, excitement around Park Avenue is heightened, and manager Antonio Corbisiero is eager to enjoy the moment.
“It’s always nice to get to a cup final. Unfortunately, it’s against TNS, and we all know how good they are, but it’s a challenge we’re relishing. All the boys after the Cardiff City game were buzzing. Everyone looks forward to it, and that’s what we are hoping to do is to enjoy the moment, enjoy the game, and hopefully the fans can enjoy it too with us.”
It has been a difficult season for Aber, who find themselves bottom of the JD Cymru Premier, however, the manager is hoping the final at Latham Park will be a chance to reset his players’ minds.
“Things can come good at a time where things aren’t going as we want it to in the league. This gives the boys a bit of time to relax and take their minds off what’s happening in the league at the moment, but it gives them something to look forward to as well.”
It’s been an impressive run to the final from the Seasiders to reach this stage of the competition. Having beaten Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, and Connah’s Quay Nomads to reach the semi-finals, they kept their nerve from the penalty spot to defeat Cardiff City.
“For the team and for the club, we’ve never won this cup, so to get to the final of it is always special. To win that semi-final on penalties over Cardiff City was a joy. On the day, I’d say we just about pipped it and we deserved what we had in 90 minutes, and there’s always a bit of luck when it comes to penalties. However, Dave [Jones] was superb in picking the right way to go in goal and the boys who stepped up finished their penalties well.”
Now all that’s standing in the way of Aber and the trophy is The New Saints. Craig Harrison’s side have won the two league games between the teams earlier in the season, and Corbisiero is fully aware of the challenge his side face. However, he’s hopeful that when the time comes, Aber can take their chance.
“We need to defend well, and that goes for every team in this league when playing against TNS. Everyone knows how ball dominant they are, they’ve got some terrific players, and their strike force contains numerous players who can score.
“Our shape is going to have to be right up against them, we have to be very disciplined in what we do, and we’re going to have to be up for a fight. Then, when an opportunity arises, we have to make sure we take it. They don’t let teams in that often, so when you get those opportunities, you have to punish them.”
It’s been a season to forget for the Green and Black Army so far, but Friday night could be a huge turning point, and Corbisiero is hopeful that his team can cause one more cup upset.
“For the club in the circumstances we’re in at the moment, it would mean everything to win this trophy. We’re bottom of the table at the moment, so to go and play TNS and beat them would be huge for the club. It’s something we hope that we can do, it’s something the players believe they can do, and it’s something I believe on the day can happen. A cup final is always different to a regular league game, and you never know what could happen.”
