The opening two qualifying rounds for the North East Wales FA Challenge Cup are almost in the books, with six of the eight sides now booked in for the Third Round.
Two more games are still set to be played as Caerwys’ trip to Saltney Town was postponed, and Chirk are still set to meet Greenfield at the end of the month.
Here we take a look at the journey so far following today’s Second Qualifying ties.
Deeside Dragons 0-4 Acton
Newly promoted Acton are loving life at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, with two wins from two to begin their journey in Division One, as well as a solid victory over Deeside Dragons.Â
Joe Garner’s side raced into the lead at the Care & Repair Sport & Social Grounds, finding themselves three ahead within 36 minutes via Toby Wynne and a brace from Niall Challoner. Joe Moss added a second with 22 minutes to play to see them through safely.
Marchwiel Saints 0-11 Holywell United
An emphatic win for Holywell against a brand new Marchwiel side. The Saints are in their first season in senior football and know just how tough the challenge will be in their debut year.
Both had byes into the Second Round and after 14 minutes the visitors took the lead via Adam Brown. Skipper John Newtown doubled the lead a minute later before a further couple of goals before the break had this one pretty much wrapped up. In the second half, Holywell ran in another seven to hit double figures as Marchwiel get to grips with senior football in North East Wales.
Rhydymwyn 0-2 Hawarden Rangers
Two Division One sides met at Dolfechlas Road in an all-Flintshire affair. Both had already come through the First Round when Hawarden hit 12 against Skippy after initially going behind, whilst Rhydymwyn advanced with a thumping 8-0 win at home to Gronant.
This one was a much more even affair, with the deadlock broken on 14 minutes when Cameron Jones found 16-year old Lucas Brick for his first senior goal after coming through the junior ranks. The hosts pushed for a leveller but in stoppage time Rangers’ place was confirmed with 18-year old substitute Will Hodgson finding the net.
CPD Yr Wyddgrug 7-0 Johnstown Youth
Yr Wyddgrug made it four wins from four in all competitions with a resounding win at home to Johnstown. Last year’s North East Wales Trophy Finalists went three up within 12 minutes and never looked back.
Toby Vickery, Hari Williams and Leon Sumner all hit the target, before the latter two added another apiece to make it five at the break.
Late on, Aaron North and Tom Cumming grabbed six and seven, whilst a mention goes to Sumner who netted twice and set up three for his side.
Coedpoeth United 2-0 Penyfford Lions
Its three wins on the spin for Coedpoeth who saw off Penyffordd this weekend. Following a goalless first half, Iwan Bennett gave his side the lead in the 62nd minute. Chasing the game, Penyffordd made things even harded for themselves when Dan Shaw was given his marching orders by referee Iwan Phillips.
Up against ten men, Bennett turned provider with two minutes to play as he found Tom Williams to see themselves safely through.
Ruabon Rovers 1-1 Aston Park Rangers (3-4 on penalties)
For the second round in a row, Aston Park required a penalty shoot-out in order to advance in the competition. Tom Gardner nudged Rangers in front before Ruabon restored parity with 25 minutes left via substitute Josh Hughes.
To penalties it went, where once against Aston Park were successful, but will hope to get the job done before it comes to that again in the next round.
The draw for the Third Qualifying Round will take place shortly. The teams are as follows:
Acton
Chirk AAA or Greenfield
Aston Park Rangers
Coedpoeth United
CPD Yr Wyddgrug
Hawarden Rangers
Holywell United
Saltney Town or Caerwys
