Thursday, May 17, 2012

All systems go for Neath's visit

TNS v Neath

IT'S all systems go for a return of Welsh Premier action to Park Hall on Saturday as the artificial pitch has beaten the ovenight freeze for the visit of Neath.

With the majority of fixtures already postponed, the clash of the league's only full-time sides is a mouthwatering start o the second phase of games.
Newly-confirmed in the manager's seat at The Gnoll, Kristian O'Leary is in charge of a Neath side that can boast an 11-match unbeaten run, culminating in a 3-1 Welsh Cup win at Flint Town United last weekend.
"I have to admit I am not a great fan of the surface, but at least we look like being guaranteed to play even with frost," O'Leary says.
"It's a disadvantage to visiting teams, but Saints are similarly disadvantaged playing away on grass, so perhaps it evens itself out."
The earlier meeting between the sides in Oswestry ended with a convincing 3-0 win for the Saints, when Neath had defender Kai Edwards red-carded, but O'Leary is convinced his side are now a much stronger unit.
"We were naive then, but we have learned a lot since, but we were also handicapped by injuries and a sending off," he added.
"I'm happy with what I've got, the lads are working hard and enjoying their football.
"The next three months are crucial and Europe is our target, but so it is for the top six and the bottom six, so it's all to play for with little margin for error."
O'Leary is without suspended midfielder Matty Collins in an otherwise full-strength squad, while TNS management duo Craig Harrison and Carl Darlington have Matty Williams and Chris Williams both sidelined with injury.
Photo: Greg Draper was among the scorers against Neath back in September.

Honours board - Oswestry Town

WELSH CUP
Winners 1883 1901 1907
NORTH WALES ALLIANCE
Champions 1924
WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE
Champions 1924
BIRMINGHAM LEAGUE
Division 1
Champions 1953
DIVISION 2
Champions 1958

SINCE 1993/4
WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE
(Wrexham Area)
Champions 1994/5
WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE
(Wrexham Area)
Cup Winners 1994/5
CYMRU ALLIANCE
Champions 1995/6 1998/9 1999/0
CA Cup Winners 1995/96
CA League Cup finalists 1997/8, 1999/0
Semi-finalists 1998/9
N E WALES CUP
Winners 1999/0
Semi-finalists 1995/6, 1997/8
WELSH CUP
Quarter finals 1995/6