The Welsh Blood Service League Cup returns this weekend, as the eight remaining clubs look to book their spots in the regional finals.
The standout tie comes in the Northern section on Friday night (KO 19:30), as the JD Cymru North top two Colwyn Bay and Airbus UK Broughton meet at the Four Crosses Construction Arena.
The two sides have been locked an intense title race throughout the campaign, with the Seagulls currently four points above the Wingmakers – who have a game in hand. They played out a 1-1 draw at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium last month, after Bay had won 6-3 in there reverse league fixture in September.
Michael Wilde’s side have lost just one of their last 29 matches in all competitions – against The New Saints in the JD Welsh Cup – beating Flint Mountain on penalties in the first round of the WBS League Cup before a 3-0 win over Gresford Athletic in January.
Airbus were also comfortable winners in the last round, triumphing 5-1 over Llay Miners Welfare, following a 3-1 victory over Llandudno in Round One. The Wingmakers’ form has faltered slightly of late, as they have won only two of their last five league games.
The other Northern section semi-final sees Bangor 1876 host Penrhyncoch on Saturday afternoon (KO 14:00).
After four consecutive defeats, Bangor find themselves nervously looking over their shoulders in the JD Cymru North as they sit just four points above the relegation zone. In this competition, they needed penalties to defeat Caersws in Round One before a 2-0 win over Ruthin Town.
Penrhyncoch have pulled away from the relegation battle in recent weeks after three wins in their last four matches. The Roosters caused the biggest shock of the last round as they triumphed 5-1 against Holywell Town, having won 1-0 against Prestatyn Town in Round One.
Late goals have been a theme of these two sides’ meetings this season, as Zac Davies scored a 92nd-minute winner as Penrhyncoch won 3-2 in October, before Owain Bevans bagged a 98th-minute equaliser for the Roosters in a 1-1 draw last month.
Welsh Blood Service League Cup Southern semi-finals
In the Southern section, Penrhiwceiber Rangers put their fight against relegation on hold as they travel to Pontypridd United on Saturday (KO 12:30).
The Dragons have slipped away from the JD Cymru South title race over the last fortnight following three consecutive defeats, so will hope to end the season on a high with a trophy. 2-1 victories away at Goytre United and Caerau Ely have seen them reach this stage, with Luke Cummings scoring a 93rd-minute winner against the Young Guns in the last round.
Penrhiwceiber have enjoyed their maiden appearance in the WBS League Cup, knocking out Baglan Dragons and Carmarthen Town so far. Dean Brown’s side are currently second from bottom in the JD Cymru South, four points adrift of safety.
Pontypridd have won both league meetings between the two sides last season, most recently a 4-1 triumph at USW Sports Park last month.
The regional semi-finals conclude on Sunday afternoon when Newport City host Trefelin (KO 14:00).
The Steelmen are enjoying their best form of the season, winning five of their last seven matches in all competitions. That includes a 1-0 victory over Ammanford in Round Two of the WBS League Cup, after defeated JD Cymru South frontrunners Llanelli Town on penalties in the first round.
Trefelin will be hoping to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Penrhiwceiber Rangers last weekend, which brought their 10-match unbeaten streak to an end. They have come from behind to win both of their ties in this competition so far this season, beating Cambrian United 3-1 before triumphing 2-1 against Taffs Well.
Kori Parker scored a 93rd-minute winner as Trefelin won 4-3 against Newport City in December, after Andy Hill’s side were 3-1 down in the 82nd minute. The Steelmen had won 1-0 in September’s reverse fixture.
