HOLDERS Penrhyncoch will have their sights set on completing the double this season when they continue their defence of the Spar Mid Wales League Cup against Carno in their semi-final showdown at Llanidloes this Friday (ko 7.30pm).

Having wrapped up the division one title with a thrilling final day win over Hay St Mary’s a fortnight ago, the Roosters now stand just two games away from adding a second piece of silverware.

Manager Gari Lewis said he is keen for his side to retain the trophy they won 12 months ago, but admits the pressure is now off, after lifting the league crown.

It will be a tough encounter as Carno have proved a consistent force this season to finish third in the league, and they also recently defeated Penrhyn 1-0 at home.

They also reached the last four of the Central Wales Senior Challenge Cup last weekend with a 7-1 win over Aberaeron.

“As holders we still want to win the cup and to complete the double, but the pressure’s now off as the league was the one we wanted this season,” said Lewis.

“We know it is going to be tough. Carno are a strong side, they’ll get in our faces and it’s going to be a battle, but we can go into the game with no pressure and that could make us a dangerous side to play.

“After winning the title, the boys had a week off after playing four games in a week, but we were back in training on Tuesday, and we will prepare well and go into Friday’s match with a game plan.”

Certain to miss the game is former Aberystwyth midfielder Bari Morgan, part of the three-man management team, after he suffered a serious looking knee injury against Hay. He was having a scan this week to discover the extent of the injury.

Forward Dean Evans has a slight ankle problem, but that should not prevent him taking some part in Friday night’s action.

In the final, the winners will meet Hay St Mary’s who eventually progressed with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win against Knighton Town after the tie at Presteigne had finished 2-2 following extra time.

Should Penrhyn progress, it would see them come face to face again with the side they defeated so dramatically, through Owain James’ late goal on the last day of the season, to clinch the league crown.

Carno were due to face Hay St Marys in the semi finals of the Central Wales Challenge Cup on Tuesday night at Rhayader, with manager Chris Davies naming the same squad as for last Saturday’s game.

Meanwhile the Roosters will further discuss promotion to the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance after the dust has settled on their season, following the league cup.

In the meantime, several players have also expressed an interest in joining the Roosters should they step up next term.

“Since we’ve won the league, there’s been a lot of interest in the club, and I have had seven or eight good players approaching me already,” added Lewis.

Meanwhile, Lewis will miss the Aber Legends match on Friday night along with his management team of Aneurin Thomas and Bari Morgan due to their Penrhyncoch league cup commitments.

“It’s a big disappointment to miss it, but I hope that they have a brilliantly successful night at Park Avenue,” said Lewis.