Six JD Cymru Premier clubs fell at the first hurdle in the Nathaniel MG Cup in an enthralling second round over the weekend.
On Friday evening, Porthmadog knocked out Gwynedd neighbours Caernarfon Town at The Oval by winning 4-2 on penalties. It came after Morgan Owen sent the game to spot-kicks in dramatic style by scoring a stunning equaliser in the 90th minute to make it 2-2.
Afan Lido also triumphed on penalties to knock out Penybont, who finished third in the JD Cymru Premier last season. Following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, it was 3-3 after five spot-kicks each before former Cymru international Shaun MacDonald missed his effort to allow Brad Flay – ironically Penybont’s academy manager – to send the JD Cymru South side through.
There was more penalty drama to come on Saturday between Powys clubs Newtown and Guilsfield after it finished 1-1 in normal time at Latham Park. Guils missed their first three spot-kicks and the Robins had two chances to win it, but remarkably the JD Cymru North side recovered to win 4-3 and knock out their top tier opponents.
The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads met in round two for the second year in succession, with Neil Gibson’s side hoping to repeat their victory 12 months ago which set them on the way to the final.
But while Callum Bratley gave the visitors the lead at Park Hall, Jordan Williams and Josh Daniels found the net to turn the game around and send the JD Cymru Premier champions through – ending the Nomads’ journey in this competition before the semi-finals for the first time in nine years.
Aberystwyth Town progressed from the other all top-flight affair by coming from behind to beat Barry Town United 2-1 at Jenner Park. Kayne Mclaggon put the hosts in front but Alex Darlington came off the bench to score directly from a corner before turning provider to set up Billy Kirkman’s winner.
The final JD Cymru Premier side to exit were Haverfordwest County, who lost 4-0 to Cardiff City at Ogi Bridge Meadow. The talented Cian Ashford scored all four goals as the hosts fielded a youthful side just three days after their European exit.
Holders Bala Town avoided an upset by winning 4-0 away at Ruthin Town. Following a goalless first half, George Newell netted a hat-trick after the break alongside a Nathan Peate header to see the Lakesiders safely into round three.
Colwyn Bay prepared for their JD Cymru Premier debut with a 5-0 home win over Airbus UK Broughton. There were five different goalscorers, including summer signings Sam Turner, Nick Rushton and Lloyd Marsh-Hughes. Last season’s Seagulls top scorer Matty Hill also found the net along with Ryan Edwards.
Cardiff Met and Taffs Well both reached the semi-finals last season, but only the Archers could go that far again following their 3-0 win at the Gentles Construction Stadium. Emlyn Lewis scored twice, either side of Eliot Evans’ goal.
Pontypridd United also overcame JD Cymru South opposition by triumphing 4-1 away at Llanelli Town. The Reds took an early lead through Sam Johnson, but Ben Margetson, Owain Jones, Jordan Knott and Ben Ahmun all found the net to send the Dragons through.
There was late drama at Ynys Park as Ammanford progressed past Trefelin on penalties. JD Cymru Premier record appearance maker Wyn Thomas, now 44, scored a 99th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2 before a team-mate nearly a third of his age, 16-year-old goalkeeper Leo Jones, saved two penalties in the shootout.
Prestatyn Town also advanced via a shootout against Flint Town United. The Seasiders trailed from the sixth minute but Jono Cahill’s 82nd-minute equaliser sent the game to spot-kicks where Chris Jones’ side won 4-1.
Wildcard entry Swansea City booked their place in the third round with a 3-1 victory over Caerau Ely. Mitchel Bates, Kyrell Wilson and Iwan Morgan gave the Swans a commanding lead before James Williams’ consolation goal.
Bangor 1876 have made an electric start to life in tier two, but that did not faze Gresford Athletic who emerged as 3-0 winners at Nantporth. After Dominic Deacon missed a first half penalty, all of the goals came in the second period from Charley Edge, Sam Spridgeon and Haci Ozlu.
Briton Ferry Llansawel and Buckley Town both made it three consecutive wins at the start of the season by knocking out Llantwit Major and Denbigh Town respectively.
Josh Bull’s first goal for the club and a brace from substitute Tyler Brock helped the Reds triumph 3-1, while Asa Hamilton netted twice off the bench either side of Liam Driscoll’s goal in a 3-0 victory for the Bucks.
The Nathaniel MG Cup third round draw will be broadcast on RedWall+ at 8pm on Monday 7 August.
