PICTURE by Ynys Mon Island Games Association.
AHEAD of Ynys Mon Men’s showdown with the Shetland Isles in Llangefni tonight, a few squad members have given their thoughts on what the journey has been like for them so far.
After three wins out of three in the group stage, Campbell Harrison’s men marched into the final four of the Huws Gray 2019 Inter Island Games football tournament with a 100% record.
Having last secured a medal in 2001 and a gold in 1999, can this squad now go on to secure some much-deserved success? This is what the players had to say on what’s been an epic adventure so far.
RYAN TAYLOR
The energetic full-back never stops working hard for his team and after a sensational season with Bodedern in Welsh Alliance One, he’s maintained his high standards with some fine performances for the Mon squad.
“Being selected for the side is a great achievement it means your doing something right at club level,” he said.
“There’s loads of talent on the island and I’m very honoured to be in the squad.”
Asked about how hard it is to keep the fitness levels up, he added: “I’ve just come from a very competitive league so didn’t really have to work on my fitness, maybe a few pints after the games helps!“
(AFE): Who’s the player you’ve most enjoyed playing alongside for Mon? RT: “Everyone has been brilliant this tournament but for me Tom Taylor is the player I’ve enjoyed playing with the most.
“Hes an animal and I think Jersey’s striker will have nightmares about playing against him for a while.”
(AFE): What’s it like having so many people support you during the tournament? RT: “The support has been unreal for both the men and women’s teams. Having a crowd of over 1200 in our last game was brilliant and I think there will be loads more in the semi tonight. I really think well go all the way!”
MEL MCGINNESS
Join-top scorer for Mon’s men side at the tournament with two goals (along with Liam Morris of Llangefni).
Known for being a prolific striker at Holyhead Hotspur over the years, he is undoubtedly one of the best finisher on the island and takes his chances very well.
Speaking on his experience of the Island Games so far he said: “It’s been hard going but at the same time, it’s all worth it – especially after making the semis for first time in 20 years.
“The way the group of lads, both the players and the managers, have pulled together after only a few training sessions and games shows where all in it for the same reason and that’s for ‘Ynys Môn’ “.
JOHN LITTLEMORE
Despite still being only 24 years old, Littlemore is a vastly experienced striker who played in the Welsh Premier League with Bangor City and Cardiff Met Uni.
Having spent time at Holyhead Hotspur, he’s now set to play for Porthmadog during the 2019/20 season. This summer, he’s representing his island for a third time, as he explains below …
“This is my third time representing Mon, as I was also picked for Jersey 2015 and Gotland 2017 but this is definitely the best squad I’ve been involved with.
“We have a good mix of youth and experienced players who will all fight endlessly for the badge on the shirt and for one another too.
“The support for the team has been phenomenal so far, so if we can get a massive crowd again tonight and get behind the boys, then I’m sure it will make a massive difference. We want to keep doing the island and Wales proud so let’s get ourselves to that final.”
—————————————————————————————————————–
AFEFootballNews 