Crunch time for Chepstow Town (From Free Press Series)

Crunch time for Chepstow Town

RELEGATION threatened Chepstow Town go into this weekend's crunch derby game against Goytre off the back of a 5-1 drubbing against Troedyrhiw and in their worst league position this season.

Assistant manager Wayne Samuel admitted the club has never been so desperate for win.

"The lads really need to win this weekend against Goytre. We need a result badly for the sake of the club. It deserves more," he said.

The struggling club are now second off bottom with only Newport's Albion Rovers worse off as they prop up the Welsh League Division Three table.

Samuel says squad instability, a severe lack of confidence and bad luck are the reasons why Town have slipped into such proverbial times once again despite high hopes of promotion at the start of the campaign.

"We are in dire need of a quality centre half. We've been playing different formations to try and fill the void, but key positions have still been left open.

"At the moment we seem to be a good team to play against. Other side's think they can pick up points against us. We need to get our credibility back, which I believe we have lost in recent months.

"We've not been taking our chances and slowly confidence has dwindled. Some of that's down to the rub of the green just not going our way, but that's not sour grapes, I'm just being as open as possible," he said.

Town have eleven games left to rescue their season staring with this Saturday's derby game against newly promoted Goytre. The Plough Road side won when the two side's met last and in many ways Goyte have continued to defy the odds building a reputation as one of the division's tougher mid-table sides.

Samuel is slightly envious. "I'd have to agree that some might think we should be where they are and visa versa, but that's football. They'll be up for the game big time and we have to be ready for that.

Troedyrhiw were too strong for us because they're that kind of physical side. Goytre's style will suit us more.

"We won't roll over and we will compete. We know we're a few players short of a good squad, but that doesn't mean we're not capable. We just need to takes those chances we create."

The threat of relegation hangs over Town with an ever-increasing edge of nervousness. With some club's being forced to drop out of the league due to varying reasons the club could still avoid the drop on a technicality, but Samuel doesn't want to play it the Russian Roulette way.

"We need to do this our own way and not rely on other teams. We can not afford to rest on luck going our way," he said. Saturday's game kicks off at Chepstow Town at 3pm.

Division One Llanwern picked up a vital 3-1 win against Bridgend - Alex Lee getting one of the goals. Division two Caldicot drew 0-0 with Penrhiwceiber.