STRONG HAS FAMILY DOUBLE IN SIGHTS

By Dave Jones on Oct 31, 09 12:04 AM

RHYL v BRIDGEND TOWN
WELSH CUP ROUND THREE
SATURDAY 2pm
RHYL player manager Greg Strong has a very special reason for wanting to win the Welsh Cup this season.
Strong would love to emulate the achievement of his great great grandfather Rufus Jones, who lifted the famous cup back in the 1880s with the then dominant Druids FC.
"My uncle's still got the medal," said Strong, who leads his Lilywhites side out against Bridgend Town in today's third round tussle at Belle Vue (2pm). "I'd love to win it again so we could have two winners' medals in the family."
Rhyl will start strong favourites to see off a Bridgend outfit currently lying 12th in the Macwhirter Welsh League Division One.
The South Wales club reached the semi-finals last season before going out to eventual winners Bangor City and boast in their ranks several players with Welsh Premier experience, including Atif Bashir, Brian Showdery, Hayden Fleming, Craig Lima and Mike Waters.
The Lilies are present leaders of the Welsh Premier and after two blips against Neath and Elements Cefn Druids returned to form in midweek by winning 4-1 at Porthmadog in the Loosemores Cup to set up a two-legged semi-final with Gap Connah's Quay.
"After the first couple of goals went in the confidence came flowing back and we started to play the way we've played all season," added Strong.
"It's great to have Connah's Quay in the semis as it will mean less travelling which really helps when you are a part-time club and have players struggling to make games in midweek. It will be a tough game as Connah's Quay have already proved they can make life difficult for us this season."
Looking ahead to the Bridgend test, Strong said: "We always try to treat every game the same, otherwise you can end up having your backsides kicked.
"It happens every year that smaller teams beat bigger teams and we know Bridgend will be up for it, but if we play to our capabilities we should be fine."
Strong hopes to have a full squad to choose from with no injuries to report from midweek.