The second season of the Welsh Blood Service League Cup kicks off this weekend, with all 32 clubs in the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South entering the competition in round one.
With last season’s winners Barry Town United and runners-up Colwyn Bay both being promoted to the JD Cymru Premier, there is a chance for a different side to make their mark and lift a piece of silverware.
In the Northern section, current JD Cymru North leaders Airbus UK Broughton host Flint Town United after both clubs were relegated from the JD Cymru Premier last season.
Separated by just 10 miles, they have each started strongly in the second tier, with the Wingmakers winning all five of their league matches so far and the Silkmen winning three and drawing one of their four.
There is another Flintshire derby at Alyn Park, where Mold Alexandra host Holywell Town. It comes just five days after the two clubs met in the JD Cymru North, with the Wellmen triumphing 3-0 to make it four wins from four league games so far this season to go second in the table.
Porthmadog reached the Northern final of the competition last season and they begin their quest to go one step further with a home tie against Ruthin Town. The two clubs are currently separated by just one point in the JD Cymru North table, with Port in 11th on four and the Town in 10th on five. Both have won just one of their opening five league matches.
It is the battle of the mid-Wales sides at Victoria Park as Llanidloes Town host Caersws. The two clubs have had contrasting starts to the season, with the Daffs picking up just one point from their opening four games while the Bluebirds sit third in the JD Cymru North table following promotion from the Ardal North East.
In the Southern section, the pick of the ties sees JD Cymru South leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel make the short trip to Baglan Dragons.
The Reds have won all five of their league matches so far this term and reached the Southern final of this competition in 2022/23, but the Dragons have made an impressive start to life in the second tier. Carl Clement’s side remain unbeaten after five league matches, winning three and drawing two.
Elsewhere in Port Talbot, neighbours Afan Lido and Goytre United meet at the Marston’s Stadium. Lido have taken 13 points from a possible 15 in the JD Cymru South so far, while the Goyt have recorded back-to-back victories after starting the campaign with four consecutive losses.
Caerau Ely and Trefelin will both see an opportunity for a cup run to spark some life into their campaigns when they meet at Cwrt yr Ala Road on Friday night. The two clubs each sit on just three points after five matches in the JD Cymru South. Trefelin reached the Southern semi-finals of this competition last season.
Following his appointment as Llantwit Major boss earlier this week, Ben Stait will take charge of his new club for the first time away at Cambrian & Clydach Vale. The ex-Risca United head coach will attempt to halt a run of three successive losses for the Major, no mean feat against a Cam Army side who have made an unbeaten start to the JD Cymru South campaign.
Welsh Blood Service League Cup round one fixtures
Northern section
Llandudno v Chirk AAA (Friday 1 September, 8pm)
Airbus UK Broughton v Flint Town United (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Bangor 1876 v Guilsfield (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Buckley Town v Denbigh Town (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Gresford Athletic v Prestatyn Town (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Llanidloes Town v Caersws (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Mold Alexandra v Holywell Town (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Porthmadog v Ruthin Town (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Southern section
Caerau Ely v Trefelin (Friday 1 September, 7:30pm)
Taffs Well v Ammanford (Friday 1 September, 7:30pm)
Abertillery Bluebirds v Llanelli Town (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Afan Lido v Goytre United (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Baglan Dragons v Briton Ferry Llansawel (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Cambrian & Clydach Vale v Llantwit Major (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Cwmbran Celtic v Carmarthen Town (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
Pontardawe Town v Abergavenny Town (Saturday 2 September, 2:30pm)
