For a team that have been rising through the ranks over the past few seasons, Sunday marks a landmark day in the history of Carmarthen Town.
Having been founded only a few years ago, Carmarthen have been climbing high, as goalkeeper Ffion Ashman explained.
“We started life out in the fifth tier, and over the last three years, we’ve been lucky enough to bring in players with vast experience, while also bringing in young players who have bright futures. We have the right mix at the moment, and we’ve managed to come up the leagues playing a good brand of football, and that showed in the last round of the cup.”
After defeating Trefelin in the qualifying round of this season’s Bute Energy Welsh Cup, Old Gold were drawn to face Swansea University, a team ranked one league above them.
Yet, you wouldn’t know that looking at the game, as Carmarthen triumphed 5-1, a result that shocked many even within the squad.
“We were all confident before the game that we could go out and provide a shock and win, especially if we played the way we have been, but I don’t think anyone would have predicted that scoreline. It gave us a massive confidence boost, it shows us where we are, and now we’ve got a big challenge ahead of us.”
It’s another Swansea team next for the West Wales side, but this time, it’s three-time cup winners Swansea City.
Without a doubt, this will be the toughest test that the side have faced in their brief history, but Ashman believes the game will serve as a good indicator to see how far they’ve come.
“We want to go as far as we can in cup competitions, and we were wondering whether we could play another team that is in and around us, but it wasn’t to be. You’ve got to beat the best in order to win, and we’re all really excited about playing a team like Swansea City. We’re going in as underdogs, but we’d love to prove that we are an up-and-coming side who are ready to take on some Adran Premier sides.”
The game has an added importance for Ashman, who spent four years at Swansea City. The keeper achieved a lot during her time with the Swans, and she knows full well how dangerous their forwards are.
“I grew up playing with Stacey John-Davis from childhood. We went off to our own different clubs and then we came back together at Swansea. I’ve been lucky enough to play for the Swans alongside players like Stacey and Katy Hosford, and I suppose it does provide me with an advantage, as a goalkeeper, that I know what kind of forwards they are. It will definitely be nice to see them again.”
As well as having the inside information on their strikers, Carmarthen also have the advantage of playing the match at home.
“Since the draw, we’ve been getting the word out there. There’s a lot of people planning on coming up to support. All of our families will be there, and we’re really hoping for a big crowd. Everyone wants a home draw in the cup, and it’ll be nice to welcome them to our place and we can give them a good game.”
No matter what happens come Sunday evening, it will be a moment to cherish for everyone involved with Carmarthen Town. Ashman is hoping days like these will come around sooner rather than later and encouraged her teammates to enjoy every minute.
“We want to be confident, enjoy it, and play with smiles on our face. It’s important that we take it all in and show what we’re capable of. We want this, this is what we’ve been working for, and together, we will be a strong team on the pitch.”
