The Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy returns this weekend, with First Qualifying Round action set to take place across the country.
This marks the competition’s return since Port Talbot Town lifted the trophy in April, defeating Penygraig United 2–1 at Ynys Park in front of 1,213 spectators – earning their first piece of silverware in 25 years.
A total of 242 clubs enter the competition at this stage, divided geographically into northern and southern sections. Action kicked off early on Wednesday night, with AFC Wattstown claiming a 3–0 win over Pantyscallog Village to book their place in the next round after their game was brought forward.
As the new campaign begins, here’s a look at some of the standout ties to watch this weekend.
Blue Bridge v Bangor 1876
One of the weekend’s most eye-catching ties sees newly-formed Blue Bridge host Bangor 1876 in what could prove a true David vs Goliath battle.
Founded in early 2024, Blue Bridge are still searching for their first competitive win, but they’ll be hoping home advantage and a vocal crowd can inspire a famous upset in their Amateur Trophy debut.
Standing in their way is a Bangor 1876 side in fine form. The visitors have enjoyed a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign, progressing in the JD Welsh Cup with a win over Mochdre Sports, before securing a midweek league victory against Llanrwst United in the Lock Stock Ardal North West.
With a deep cup run firmly in their sights, Bangor will be determined to avoid any early drama—but Blue Bridge will be equally eager to make headlines and announce themselves on the national stage.
Talysarn Celts v Bethesda Rovers
A fierce local clash is on the cards as Talysarn Celts host Bethesda Rovers in a tantalising tie between two neighbouring clubs with everything to play for.
Separated by just one tier in the North Wales Coast West Football League, the sides promise a closely fought battle, rich with energy, community pride, and knockout stakes. Both teams come into the game with confidence despite bowing out of the JD Welsh Cup in spirited fashion.
Bethesda Rovers drew 3–3 with Tier 4 outfit Llanrug United at Treborth Playing Fields before narrowly losing 9–8 on penalties — a performance that proved they can compete with higher-tier opposition.
Talysarn Celts, meanwhile, launched a gutsy second-half comeback after trailing 3–0 at half-time to Four Crosses, with Luke Baum scoring twice in a 3–2 defeat. They’ll now shift focus to the Amateur Trophy, where a strong run could define their season.
Last year, Talysarn finished 8th in the Premier Division, scoring an impressive 67 goals. Bethesda Rovers, who ended mid-table in Division One with 31 points and 58 goals, arrive as underdogs — but with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Taffs Well v Rhydyfelin
Taffs Well begin life outside Cymru South with fresh ambition and early momentum, having edged past Pontardawe Town 1–0 in the JD Welsh Cup last weekend.
Now operating at a lower level for the first time in over a decade, the Wellmen are aiming to make a statement in the Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy — a competition in which they’ve twice finished as runners-up. With a four-tier gap between them and visitors Rhydyfelin, they’re clear favourites on paper. But derbies are rarely straightforward, and Rhydyfelin will arrive full of belief and attacking firepower.
Although their league season in the Taff Ely & Rhymney Valley Alliance Premier Division has yet to begin, they made headlines last weekend with a thumping 9–1 win over Aberystwyth Exiles in the JD Welsh Cup. That result was fuelled by an explosive display from Akorede Hamzat, who netted four goals, while Iestyn Oliver added a sharp brace, evidence of the threat they’ll bring to Rhiw’r Ddar.
Rhydyfelin also come in with confidence from last season’s strong league form, narrowly missing promotion after a 2–0 defeat to Brynna in the Tier 7 play-off final. With form building and local pride at stake, Rhydyfelin will be eyeing a major upset in the A470 derby.
St Joseph’s (Swansea) vs St Joseph’s (Cardiff)
South Wales football fans are in for a treat this weekend with a St Joseph’s vs St Joseph’s derby as Swansea host Cardiff — a meeting of two historic community clubs with proud traditions and growing ambitions.
Backed by one of the region’s most loyal grassroots followings, St Joseph’s Swansea are enjoying a resurgence. Founded in 1921 by Irish immigrants in Greenhill, they still wear the iconic green and white hoops gifted by Glasgow Celtic — a proud link to their heritage.
After clinching the Swansea Senior League title in 2023/24, they earned promotion to the West Wales Premier League (Tier 4), where they mounted a strong campaign and came close to securing back-to-back promotions. They kicked off the new season in style last weekend, cruising to a 5–1 win over Alway FC in the JD Welsh Cup. Rikki Hayden was the star of the show, delivering four assists in a commanding attacking performance.
On the other side, St Joseph’s Cardiff are fresh from a dramatic survival in South Wales Premier Division One East (Tier 6). After a difficult campaign, they pulled off back-to-back wins to stay up — including a huge final-day 2–1 win over Penygraig United, last season’s Trophy runners-up.
A key figure in their revival is midfielder Jack Kane, who earned a place in the leagues Team of the Season for his consistent performances and leadership.
Ton Pentre vs Cardiff Corinthians
Two storied clubs go head-to-head as Ton Pentre host Cardiff Corinthians in one of the standout ties of the round in the South.
The Corinthians are the most successful club in the history of the Amateur Trophy, having lifted the title six times — though their last final appearance came back in 1985, when they beat Brecon Corinthians 2–1.
Ton Pentre, champions in 1952, are looking to reset after a disappointing Welsh Cup defeat to local rivals Treorchy BGC. Under manager Ryan Betteney, the Bulldogs will be hoping a strong cup run can reignite their campaign and restore their long-term ambitions of climbing back up the Welsh football pyramid.
