Following the opening weekend in the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru North, it is back to Nathaniel MG Cup action with round two this weekend – as the JD Cymru Premier clubs enter the competition…
Reigning champions Bala Town begin their defence of the trophy on Friday night. The Lakesiders, who defeated Connah’s Quay Nomads on penalties in the final just over six months ago, travel to Ruthin Town who overcame Llandudno in round one.
Elsewhere in the Northern region on Friday night, Porthmadog make the short trip to Gwynedd neighbours Caernarfon Town. Shaun Cavanagh scored a hat-trick as Port won 4-2 against Llanidloes Town in the first round, while the Cofis begin their JD Cymru Premier campaign next weekend.
Prestatyn Town and Flint Town United both made winning starts to the JD Cymru North season last weekend and they meet on Friday night as the Silkmen’s new frontman Tom Hilditch comes up against his former club.
Briton Ferry Llansawel made a statement of intent with victory over Llanelli Town on the JD Cymru South opening weekend and they will hope to progress to round three when they host fellow second tier outfit Llantwit Major.
Llanelli will aim to bounce back from defeat at Old Road when they host JD Cymru Premier side Pontypridd United who are busy preparing for their second season in the top-flight.
Fresh off their first ever European campaign, Penybont are back in domestic action as they host last season’s quarter-finalists Afan Lido. Paul Evans’ side knocked out Baglan Dragons in round one before winning their opening JD Cymru South game against Abertillery Bluebirds.
One of Saturday’s standout games sees last season’s JD Cymru Premier top two, The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads, meet at Park Hall. It is a repeat of last year’s second round tie, which the Nomads won on penalties before going on to reach the final.
There is one other all-JD Cymru Premier clash on Saturday afternoon as newly-promoted Barry Town United and top-flight ever-presents Aberystwyth Town kick off their seasons at Jenner Park.
Wildcard entry Swansea City were the biggest winners in round one as they triumphed 4-0 over Carmarthen Town and they are up against JD Cymru South opposition again in the form of newly-promoted Caerau Ely, who won 4-0 against Abergavenny Town last weekend. The tie is being played at Briton Ferry’s Old Road.
Taffs Well and Cardiff Met both reached the semi-finals of the Nathaniel MG Cup last season, but one will exit the competition in round two this time around as they go head-to-head at the Gentle Construction Stadium.
Colwyn Bay are a little over a week away from the start of their first ever JD Cymru Premier campaign and they will prepare with a home tie against Airbus UK Broughton, who were relegated from the top-flight last term.
Bangor 1876 have made an electric start to life in tier two – knocking out Holywell Town in the first round of the Nathaniel MG Cup before winning 6-0 against Llanidloes Town in the JD Cymru North – and they will hope to continue their form against Gresford Athletic who received a bye in round one.
Fellow newly-promoted club Denbigh Town are on the road for the third week in succession, travelling to a Buckley Town side who have won both of their matches in league and cup so far this season.
Guilsfield knocked out fellow Powys side Caersws in round one and they make the trip to another mid-Wales club at 5pm on Saturday as Newtown – beaten European play-off finalists in the JD Cymru Premier last season – play host at Latham Park.
Trefelin were drawn to receive a bye in round one, so begin their Nathaniel MG Cup campaign on home turf in round two against Ammanford. Gruff Harrison’s side have won both of their matches so far this term without conceding a goal.
The weekend’s final fixture comes on Sunday afternoon at Ogi Bridge Meadow. Three days after their exit from the UEFA Europa Conference League, Haverfordwest County turn their attentions to domestic matters by hosting wildcard entry and fellow Bluebirds Cardiff City, who overcame Cambrian & Clydach Vale on penalties in round one.
Nathaniel MG Cup second round fixtures:
Friday 4 August
Briton Ferry Llansawel v Llantwit Major (19:30)
Llanelli Town v Pontypridd United (19:30)
Prestatyn Town v Flint Town United (19:30)
Ruthin Town v Bala Town (19:30)
Caernarfon Town v Porthmadog (19:45)
Penybont v Afan Lido (19:45)
Saturday 5 August
Bangor 1876 v Gresford Athletic (14:30)
Barry Town United v Aberystwyth Town (14:30)
Buckley Town v Denbigh Town (14:30)
Colwyn Bay v Airbus UK Broughton (14:30)
Swansea City v Caerau Ely (14:30)
Taffs Well v Cardiff Met (14:30)
The New Saints v Connah’s Quay Nomads (14:30)
Trefelin v Ammanford (14:30)
Newtown v Guilsfield (17:00)
Sunday 6 August
Haverfordwest County v Cardiff City (14:30)
