Today Flint face newly promoted Pontypridd United in the Sgorio live TV match (kick off 5-45pm). Like ourselves, Pontypridd have been extremely busy in the transfer market during the close season, making wholesale changes to their squad. They have brought in several players with good Cymru Premier league experience such as goalkeeper Ashley Morris from Penybont and Clayton Green from Barry. They have also brought in two Newport players on loan, Lewys Twamley and Joe Woodiwiss, as well as recruiting Aaron Hillier from Swansea U18’s. So, it’s clear that they are determined to make an impression on the Cymru Premier and not just make up the numbers.
As far as Flint are concerned, the good news is that two more players have received their international clearance and so have been added to the squad. Forwards Elie Akobeto and Okera Simmonds give Lee Fowler a couple more options up front.
The Silkmen manager gave us his thoughts ahead of the today’s game. Here’s what he had to say :
“We are on the road again for the first game of the season after a good session on Thursday night. We travelled down yesterday in order to prepare properly and be ready for the game on Saturday night.
We have had Pontypridd watched and reports were sent in to us from their last couple of games.
With suspensions and injuries for them, and us not having a full quota yet as we still wait on clearances for players, both sides won’t be at full strength, but it gives a chance for others to shine.
Following Tuesday nights game, we suddenly found ourselves back in the cup, after missing out on penalties. It was hard on Colwyn Bay.
The rules took me a while to grasp, but after the removals in Round 1. we didn’t want to be in the same position, mind you saying that, it was impossible for us to get it wrong as we only had Academy lads on the bench! But with all the emotions running high, with victory in sight, it’s easy to overlook these extra rules, and for mistakes to happen.
For the second week running we are awaiting a number of players to be cleared and it’s very frustrating for a manager trying to name a team/ squad. It is impossible, from a players point of view, managing workload so they don’t miss out on the right work if not registered, and also it impacts the club financially.
Enjoy the game
Fowls “
