Nomads: Welsh FA hand clear advantage to TNS after choosing Cup Semi Final plastic pitch venue

[vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” bg_video=”” class=”” style=””][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px”][text_output]Angry gap Connah’s Quay fans and those close to the club have blasted the Welsh FA’s decision to play their JD Welsh Cup Semi Final in April on a plastic ‘3G’ pitch against holders TNS.

The FAW announced last Wednesday the cup semi-final will be a ‘double header’ with both semi-final matches played on April 2nd on Newtown’s Latham Park 3G pitch.

The first match between Port Talbot Town and Airbus Broughton UK kicks off at 1pm kick-off with gap Connah’s Quay taking on TNS at 17.15pm.

In a post-match interview following the Nomad’s Quarter Final win against Cardiff Met last Saturday Manager Andy Morrison expressed concerns around meeting full timers TNS on a 3G pitch.

Morrison, wary of the advantage playing on 3G will give TNS  said;

“We all hoped to dodge TNS – we know how good they are, what’s important is that we get it (the semi-final) on grass, our chances multiply by 10 if we go on grass. If we go on 3G it’s going to be almost impossible because they (TNS) are that good on that”[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px” width=”1/4″][gap size=”1px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px” width=”1/2″][text_output]

Ymateb Andy Morrison i’r Seintiau Newydd v Gap Cei Connah yn rownd cyn-derfynol Cwpan Cymru. https://t.co/RPo0Ac0pud

— sgorio (@sgorio) March 5, 2016

[/text_output][/vc_column][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px” width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” bg_video=”” class=”” style=””][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px”][text_output]TNS the current Welsh cup holder play all their home games on a 3G surface and officials at Connah’s Quay believe it hands the Oswestry outfit “a distinct and clear advantage” in the semi-final tie.

The decision has left some fans questioning the FAW’s integrity  -the Nomads Ultra’s, the clubs supporters group tweeted:

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Such a joke. Why does a game need to be played on 3G in April? Oh actually I know , TNS that’s why?

— Nomads Ultras (@Nomads_Ultras) March 9, 2016

[/text_output][text_output]Others commented:

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Why not save everyones time and just give TNS the cup.
No semi-pro team will ever beat them on 3G.
Waste of time turning up.

— Trevor Green (@GDRed74) March 10, 2016

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@Nomads_Ultras I never cease to be amazed & disappointed by the Faw. Both matches at Newtown is a pathetic attempt at pulling a crowd. Sad.

— Mike Smith (@Crossways23) March 9, 2016

[/text_output][/vc_column][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px” width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” bg_video=”” class=”” style=””][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px”][text_output]A Club Spokesperson said;

“We are very, very disappointed in the choice of location for the JD Welsh Cup semi-final.
We tried to make representations to the FAW to play this game on grass, but were shot down summarily for even suggesting this.
The FAW seem determined to promote their 3G pitches, which presents, what we feel, a distinct and clear advantage to those clubs who play their home games on 3G, in this case, The New Saints.

We have our own 3G pitch, but we only use this to help develop youth football and maximise playing/training time in the winter.

The final of theWord Cup final was played on 3G and key FAW matches will likely occur more often now that there could be as many as eight of the twelve Welsh Premier League clubs playing on 3G pitches next season.

Andy [Morrison], Jay [Catton] and the players will do their utmost to play against the only full time side in the league, on TNS’s preferred playing surface – it’s a tough ask.”

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