Cambrian United head into Saturday’s Nathaniel MG Cup semi-final against Barry Town United (KO 17:15) with belief and bite, boosted by the return of prolific forward Liam Eason.
After sitting out the 1-0 victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel in the quarter-finals through suspension, Eason is back to spearhead a Cambrian side chasing a second-ever appearance in the final and their first major silverware.
Despite their JD Cymru South status, the Rhondda outfit have made a habit of punching up in this competition. They reached the final in 2019 after beating TNS in the semis and, this season, have already dispatched Cardiff City’s youngsters and JD Cymru Premier opponents, edging Cardiff Met on penalties before eliminating Briton Ferry.
Nathaniel MG Cup
Semi-final preview
Eason, who already has 18 goals in 19 appearances in all competitions this season, says their experiences have hardened Cambrian’s confidence against top-tier teams.
“We’re a good group, all on the same page. We work hard and the results come. The pace is faster against the Cymru Premier teams, but we’re dogged, we get stuck in, and we’re not afraid to play.”
Cam clawed out a last-gasp victory at Aberystwyth Town in the league last weekend that leaves them entering this weekend’s tie in high spirits.
“The boys got the job done,” Eason said, speaking of their victory in Park Avenue. “There’s a real buzz after the weekend. Training’s been in good spirits, and we’ve got nothing to be afraid of.”
He also points to the side’s identity: physical, organised, and resilient.
“We base ourselves on being tough to play against. Fitness and physicality are big assets of ours, and we compete with anyone.”
Four-time Nathaniel MG Cup winners Barry Town United present a stern test. The JD Cymru Premier side are in strong form and arrive with firepower throughout the side, a challenge Eason is under no illusions about.
“They’re flying and have a lot of pace. We’ll need to deal with that. But we’re confident. It’s 11 v 11, and when you push back against teams, they have to face up to you. We’re ready.”
The stakes are significant for the Cam Army beyond this competition too. They currently sit top of the JD Cymru South, well-placed for promotion, and Eason is aiming high once again following a title winning campaign with Llanelli Town last season.
“We want to win the league and push on next year,” he said. “The club looks after the boys, and they deserve success.”
Cambrian United v Barry Town United
Saturday 6 December, 17:15
For now, all focus falls on Saturday’s clash under the lights at the M&P Group 3G, with a strong crowd expected as Sgorio’s live cameras come to town. Cambrian may be the underdogs, but Eason’s message is clear: trust the work, embrace the fight, and don’t shy away.
“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “We’re ready, and we’re not afraid to play.”
If Cambrian can channel their grit and seize their moments, another Nathaniel MG Cup shock could be brewing in the Rhondda.
