WALES C manager Mark Jones is excited to assume the role of leading David against Goliath as his side take on an all-star England C in Caernarfon.
After a two-year delay to the third fixture between the best of Non-League players and their equivalents in the Cymru Premier, the sides will meet in Wales on Wednesday.
A key difference from the first two meetings is that the Three Lions have removed their age cap, so a true best of the National League side will travel to Wales with some of the National League’s biggest names involved..
Jones is leading the Welsh cohort and is fully aware of the scale of the challenge facing the Dragons.
“Well, having seen their squad first of all I had to sit down for a while, and when I got up I started studying them and I’ve watched them since a few games and they have got quality there’s no doubt about it,” he said.
“If we were playing challenging matches on the last two occasions, then this is a mountainous challenge.
“Perhaps it is a compliment to how well we have played in the previous games, because when we did draw at Salford it was a surprise to some people who had been to the first game.
“We know that if they hit form on the day then it will be very difficult, they’re not even starting as hot favourites, they are red hot favourites.
“But, if we get that Wales shirt on and do our bit and be organised, then who knows? Not every favourite wins, as all of last week’s punters at Cheltenham will tell you.”
The last two fixtures have been exciting affairs, producing nine goals and it is a major occasion for everyone involved.
Jones said: “This is definitely the big one for players and everyone involved, everybody wants to be a part of it.
“It is about as big as it gets for me, I’ve got a couple of clubs into Europe, won the Welsh Cup and things like that but I think managing your own country in front of a passionate Welsh crowd at The Oval is just about as big as it gets.”
GOALKEEPERS
Alex Ramsay (Bala Tn), Connor Roberts (TNS)
DEFENDERS
Mael Davies (Penybont), Kane Owen (Penybont), Emlyn Lewis (Cardiff Met), Dion Donohue (Caernarfon Town), Danny Davies (The New Saints), Callum Roberts (Newtown), Jake Phillips (Flint Town United), Lee Jenkins (Aberystwyth Town)
MIDFIELDERS
Lewis Harling (Penybont), Leo Smith (The New Saints), Clayton Green (Barry Town United), Darren Thomas (Caernarfon Town), Aeron Edwards (Connah’s Quay), Tom Price (Cardiff Met)
FORWARDS
Will Evans (Bala Town), Kayne McLaggon (Barry Town United), Nathan Wood (Penybont), Ben Fawcett (Haverfordwest County)
