Following a weekend of JD Welsh Cup drama, the knockout action continues this week with the Nathaniel MG Cup quarter-finals.
The ties kick off on Monday night with a derby in the capital, as Cardiff City host Cardiff Met at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium.
The Bluebirds are the last remaining wildcard side in the competition this season, having triumphed 2-1 over Merthyr Town in the last round thanks to Michael Reindorf’s double.
19-year-old Reindorf is the top scorer in the Nathaniel MG Cup this season, also netting a hat-trick against Pontypridd United in Round Two, so will be the one to watch on Monday.
Met currently sit fourth in the JD Cymru Premier after picking just one point from their last four matches, but they were victorious in the JD Welsh Cup on Friday night as they won 1-0 away at top-flight leaders Penybont.
The Archers have an impressive recent record in the Nathaniel MG Cup – lifting the trophy in 2019 – and are aiming to reach the semi-finals for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. They thrashed Goytre United 9-1 in the previous round, Jac Clay starring with two goals and two assists.
Barry Town United and Penybont were both knocked out of the JD Welsh Cup at the weekend, so will aim to avoid another exit when they meet at Jenner Park on Tuesday night.
The Linnets were beaten on penalties by Caerau Ely on Saturday, delivering a performance not in keeping with their recent league form of three wins from four matches which has seen them climb into the top half of the JD Cymru Premier.
Barry are four-time winners of the Nathaniel MG Cup and finalists most recently in 2017, with Steve Jenkins’ team knocking out JD Cymru South sides Llanelli Town and Trethomas Bluebirds to reach the last eight this season.
Penybont are in the quarter-finals for the first time in 10 years and are targeting a semi-final spot for the first time ever. They have already had to overcome two fellow JD Cymru Premier teams to reach this stage, knocking out Briton Ferry Llansawel and Haverfordwest County.
A 1-0 JD Welsh Cup defeat to Cardiff Met on Friday came as a slight shock considering Bont’s remarkable start to the season which sees them currently sit five points clear at the top of the league table. They won 4-1 against Barry less than three weeks ago.
Connah’s Quay Nomads, winners of the Nathaniel MG Cup in 2020 and 2022, will aim to book their semi-final spot as they host Aberystwyth Town on Tuesday.
Billy Paynter’s side triumphed 5-0 over Guilsfield in the JD Welsh Cup on Saturday, which came as welcome respite from a run of just one win in their last eight league matches – a 3-0 triumph over Aberystwyth at the start of this month.
The Nomads came from behind to beat Caernarfon Town 3-2 in Round Three, having eased to a 3-0 victory against away at Flintshire neighbours Buckley Town in Round Two.
Aberystwyth booked their quarter-final place in dramatic circumstances, with Jonathan Evans scoring a 98th-minute goal to complete a 3-2 comeback victory against Llandudno in Round Three.
The Seasiders, who continue to be led by interim manager Dave Taylor, earned a stunning 4-1 win away at Caernarfon Town last week to climb off the bottom of the JD Cymru Premier table, but were then subject to an upset in the JD Welsh Cup on Saturday as they lost 1-0 at home to second tier Ammanford.
The other Northern Section quarter-final sees the last two Nathaniel MG Cup winners go head-to-head as The New Saints host Bala Town, but that tie will take place in three weeks’ time due to TNS’ European commitments.
Northern Section
Tuesday 22 October
Connah’s Quay Nomads v Aberystwyth Town (19:45)
Wednesday 13 November
The New Saints v Bala Town (19:45)
Southern Section
Monday 21 October
Cardiff City v Cardiff Met (20:00)
Tuesday 22 October
Barry Town United v Penybont (19:45)
