LLANGEFNI Town might have emerged from their game at Rhyl with a loss, but there was plenty to suggest they are going to be just fine during the remainder of the JD Cymru North season.
The newly promoted side produced an excellent display against a side that is expected to be challenging for the title this term, and the result may have been far different had it not been for two goals within a minute midway through the first half from the Lilywhites.
That is the difference between operating at this level and the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance. You will be punished for even the slightest drop in concentration whereas you may get away with one or two at third-tier level.
Nevertheless, for Cefni to pick themselves up as they did and not only get themselves back into the game, but run a talented side extremely close in the second period is a testament to the character and resolve that manager Chris Roberts has installed in his squad.
They were extremely well drilled for the majority of the contest, forming two solid banks of four in-front of goalkeeper Tyler French and in Matthew Jones they have a livewire presence up front that can buy his teammates valuable time when they are under pressure.
The talented youngster has plenty of expectations on his shoulders following the departures of Kevin Lloyd, Marvin Pritchard, Liam Morris and Alan Mark Owen this summer, but the early indications show that Jones is more than up to the task of filling the void left by four influential players in the final third of the field.
Another to really catch the eye for Cefni was experienced midfielder Jamie Roberts, who demonstrated not only his vast quality with the ball at his feet but also a tremendous work rate during lengthy periods when Town were without the ball.
Much of Cefni’s success will be dependent on Roberts’ consistency throughout the season, but
The energetic Callum McMinnimee, he evergreen Steve Keogh and the presence of Craig Roberts are all hugely positive factors going forward for Llangefni Town, who are sure to surprise a few if they continue to develop as a group at a higher standard and demonstrate the same sort of attitude that was applied during their encounter at the Educate Group Stadium.
There is no respite in this league for Cefni, with games against Colwyn Bay, Conwy Borough, Buckley Town, Porthmadog and Bangor City in their immediate future, and positive performances count for nothing if you are not getting points on the board.
Roberts will be only too aware of this and their opening day success over Gresford Athletic gave them a platform from which to build, so those that have written Cefni off during the summer might be eating humble pie come May.
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