Competitive football returns this weekend as the Nathaniel MG Cup first round marks the start of the 2023/24 season.
The action kicks off with a Port Talbot derby on Friday night as newly-promoted JD Cymru South side Baglan Dragons host Afan Lido, who were the first ever winners of the competition in 1993 and have gone on to win it two further times.
A sell-out crowd is expected at The M&P 3G where 2019 runners-up Cambrian & Clydach Vale host wildcard entry Cardiff City on Friday, who are featuring in the competition for the second time after their debut in 2020/21.
JD Cymru South promotion contenders Llanelli Town and Briton Ferry Llansawel begin the league campaign by meeting next weekend, but kick off their seasons in the cup by hosting Pontardawe Town and travelling to Abergavenny Town respectively.
There are two matches in the Northern section on Friday night, including newly-promoted JD Cymru North side Denbigh Town – who were runners-up in 2016 – making the trip to Chirk AAA.
Meanwhile, Ruthin Town and Llandudno both finished in the top five in the JD Cymru North last season and meet at the Memorial Playing Fields to kick off the new campaign.
On Saturday afternoon, this year’s other wildcard entry Swansea City make their debut in the Nathaniel MG Cup by travelling to three-time winners Carmarthen Town.
No club in round one has won the competition on more occasions than the Old Gold, while Caersws have also lifted the trophy three times. The Bluebirds, newly-promoted in the JD Cymru North, host fellow Powys side Guilsfield.
Bangor 1876 have also come up to the JD Cymru North and precede their league debut by travelling to last season’s JD Cymru North runners-up Holywell Town, while newly-promoted JD Cymru South club Abertillery Bluebirds are on home turf against Ammanford.
There will be friends reunited at Glenhafod Park Stadium as Karl Lewis’ Goytre United side welcome his former club Llantwit Major, with several of his 2022 title-winning squad now donning the blue of the Goyt.
Taffs Well were the last remaining second tier side in the Nathaniel MG Cup last season as they reached the semi-finals. They travel to Cwmbran Celtic in this year’s first round in what will be Geza Hajgato and Nathan Cotterrall’s first competitive game as co-managers of the Wellmen.
There will also be managerial bows for Jason Aldcroft at Buckley Town and Lawrence Wilson at Llanidloes Town. The Bucks host Mold Alexandra, while the Daffs travel to Porthmadog.
Nathaniel MG Cup first round fixtures
Friday 21 July
Baglan Dragons v Afan Lido (18:30)
Chirk AAA v Denbigh Town (18:45)
Abergavenny Town v Briton Ferry Llansawel (19:30)
Cambrian & Clydach Vale v Cardiff City (19:30)
Llanelli Town v Pontardawe Town (19:30)
Ruthin Town v Llandudno (19:30)
Saturday 22 July
Abertillery Bluebirds v Ammanford (14:30)
Buckley Town v Mold Alexandra (14:30)
Caersws v Guilsfield (14:30)
Carmarthen Town v Swansea City (14:30)
Cwmbran Celtic v Taffs Well (14:30)
Goytre United v Llantwit Major (14:30)
Holywell Town v Bangor 1876 (14:30)
Porthmadog v Llanidloes Town (14:30)
