Hughes: “This has been my favourite season in football”

Connah’s Quay Nomads attacker Rhys Hughes has admitted this season has been “his favourite in football so far” as he and the squad prepare for Saturday’s JD Welsh Cup semi-final against Llanelli Town.

After a major transition at the club this summer, Hughes’ arrival instantly lit up the JD Cymru Premier, and has continued to do so throughout the campaign.

Hughes is currently the league’s leading goalscorer having scored a brace in a 4-0 win over Flint Town United last Tuesday to take his tally to 13 for the season. His epic form in front of goal as well as his link up play and determination has been instrumental for some of our impressive results this season, including those on our journey to reaching the JD Welsh Cup semi-finals.

“I have loved it. This is a great club with great people,” said Hughes. “The group of lads and staff we have are brilliant and they have given me the freedom to showcase what I can do.

“It has been my favourite season in football so far due to many reasons on and off the pitch. I hope it can continue and I would love to top it off with a trophy or a European spot.”

The Nomads’ JD Welsh Cup semi-final opponents Llanelli Town are currently top of the JD Cymru South, so they are looking to make a statement in this competition as part of their promotion bid.

One of Hughes’ many stunning strikes this season came in our quarter-final win away to Caerau Ely. Billy Paynter’s side have also beaten tier two opposition Guilsfield, Trefelin and Mold Alexandra en route to the final four.

Rhys Hughes yn serennu unwaith eto ?@Rhys01Hughes with yet another standout performance for @the_nomads ?#CwpanCymruJD pic.twitter.com/avoeURxecT
— Sgorio ?? (@sgorio) February 17, 2025

However, cup competitions always get more tense and tighter at the latter stages, and Hughes knows he and his team will be in for a tough test.

“Llanelli are a really good side,” said Hughes. “They are doing really well in their league and have knocked out some great sides in the cup so far.

“We will not be taking them lightly as we know they will be right up for it, but then again, so will we, and we know what we need to do on the day. I know the boys will do anything to get the win on Saturday.

“We know this cup gives us a great chance of reaching Europe and that gives us even more motivation for us, along with the actual chance of lifting the cup itself.”

The Nomads head into Saturday’s fixture on the back of four consecutive wins and clean sheets - something that was last achieved just over two years ago.

Recruitment during January’s transfer window has been key for this recent run of results and will be key for Saturday’s semi-final and the remainder of our Play-Off Conference campaign which sees us firmly in the race for the all-important seventh place.

Sam Durrant, Max Woodcock, Olly Wright and Cameron Ferguson have all made their mark in attack, while the return of Kris Owens has also helped provide quality across the pitch.

“The last few games for us have been brilliant,” added Hughes. “It has been great to score the goals we have, but also the run of clean sheets which have been helped by some important saves from George [Ratcliffe]. We should be full of confidence heading into Saturday as a win would see us reach the final, which are the games you want to be involved in as an individual and as a team.”

Hughes also took time to praise the fans for their dedicated support throughout the campaign.

“The fans have definitely been a difference maker. I would like to give a shoutout to Rory and Dave who follow us everywhere and give us a boost as a team, especially with Rory’s ‘YES YES YES’ which is brilliant,” Hughes said laughing.

“Hopefully we can see many of our supporters there on Saturday and we can reward them with victory and a place in the Welsh Cup final.”

Saturday’s match against Llanelli takes place at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth with a scheduled 12:30pm kick-off time.

For those of you who cannot make it to Park Avenue, the match will be broadcast live on Sgorio’s online platforms.