Pitch perfect is Holmes' plan (From Free Press Series)

Pitch perfect is Holmes' plan

ABERGAVENNY Thursdays talisman Kyle Holmes is hoping the side's Pen-y-Pound ground can fast become the iron fortress it once was.

Holmes is looking to utilise the quality pitch to its full potential, as Thursday's bosses turn their attentions to picking up as many points at home in the second half of the Gwent County Division Three season.

"The young lads we have are coming into their own on our pitch. They're able to use their speed to get past players much easier, because it's a bigger pitch compared to the others in the league.

"Away from home we tend to get bullied on the smaller, heavier pitches, but at Pen-y-pound, which is a quality pitch, they can run their way out of trouble," Holmes said.

The former Hereford Town and Merthyr Tydfil player is hoping with a bit of work the ground can be restored to its former glory.

"It won't take much work and with an even better home ground, the players will be able to play better and we should be able to attract even more new additions to the club," he predicted.

Thursdays weren't in action on Saturday - their game against Race postponed, so the club is making up for the break this weekend with a double-header of fixtures on Saturday AND Sunday.

"We've got Cefn Fforest this Saturday at home, and then we're taking part in an invitation cup at Caerleon the day after," explained Holmes.

"Cefn Fforest will be a tough game. They're used to winning most of their games, so the challenge is a big one. What we have to do is make sure we are headstrong and focused and make no mistakes. It's a challenge we'll enjoy.

"The invitation cup is again another good opportunity to look at our squad against very good opposition. There should be some good teams there including Welsh League side Caerleon, so I'm looking forward to it," he added.

Abergavenny Thursdays kick-off at home to Cefn Fforest is at 2.15pm.