The FAW Welsh Cup returns this weekend, with 32 clubs competing across Round Three – ranging from the Novira Cymru Premier all the way down to the fifth tier. Here are five key ties to keep an eye on.
Follow all of the action on the FAW website and Cymru Football app.
Connah’s Quay Nomads v Mochdre Sports (Friday, 19:45)
Novira Cymru Premier high-flyers Connah’s Quay Nomads will be hoping to avoid another Round Three upset when they host fourth tier Mochdre Sports on Friday night.
It was at this stage last season that the Nomads, winners of the competition in 2018 and 2024, were beaten by then second-tier side Llandudno. John Disney’s team come into this tie, having won nine of their last 10 games in all competitions – only drawing 0-0 away at The New Saints – while keeping seven clean sheets in that run. They were comfortable 4-0 winners over Porthmadog in the previous round.
Mochdre Sports have picked up just four points from their opening four matches in the North Wales Coast East Premier Division, but their exploits in the FAW Welsh Cup have taken centre stage as wins over NFA, Machynlleth, Pwllheli and Llysfaen have seen them reach the third round for the first time in their history.
Holyhead Hotspur v Blaen-y-Maes (Saturday, 14:00)
The only fifth tier outfit remaining in this season’s competition are Blaen-y-Maes, who make the long trip north to Holyhead Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.
Currently fourth in the Swansea Senior League Premier, Blaen-y-Maes had never even reached Round One before this season but have made history with wins over Bedwas, Ely Valley, Abertillery Excelsiors and Ely Rangers – scoring 20 goals along the way. They have won nine of their 11 matches in all competitions this term.
Hoping to avoid an upset are hosts Holyhead Hotspur, who currently sit 10th in the Novira Cymru North – unbeaten in their last five league games. The Bees, who reached the FAW Welsh quarter-finals in 2007 and famously caused an upset of their own two years by knocking out Caernarfon Town, triumphed 4-3 over previous cup winners Bala Town in Round Two.
Llangennech v Newport City (Saturday, 14:00)
After knocking out Novira Cymru South side Pontardawe Town in the last round, Llangennech will be looking for another second tier scalp when they host Newport City on Saturday.
The Llanelli-based outfit are currently second in the West Wales Premier League with seven wins from 11 league games, while they have lost just twice in 90 minutes in all competitions this term. In the FAW Welsh Cup, wins over Llanrumney United, Cwmamman United and Cwmbran Town preceded the dramatic penalty shootout triumph over Pontardawe last month.
Newport City currently sit one point above the relegation zone in the Novira Cymru South, having won just three of their 11 league games so far this season. Following a 3-0 win over Canton in Round One, the Steelmen staged a remarkable comeback over Carmarthen Town in Round Two – trailing 4-1 after 68 minutes, Sam Johnson scored four late goals to seal a stunning 5-4 victory.
Rockspur v Pontarddulais (Saturday, 14:15)
There is guaranteed to be at least side from the fourth tier in Round Four as West Wales Premier League sides Rockspur and Pontarddulais go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon at Glenhafod Park Stadium.
Rockspur are currently top of the league table after winning 10 of their opening 12 matches, scoring 50 goals in the process. In Round Three for the first time, Michael Smith’s men have defeated Nelson Cavaliers, New Inn, Newport Corinthians and tier three Evans & Williams so far while scoring 20 goals. Of their 20 games in all competitions this season, they have lost just three times.
FAW Welsh Cup
Pontarddulais sit seventh, but have only lost one of their nine league games this term and have multiple games in hand over all the clubs above them. Their cup run so far counts victories over Abercarn United, Caldicot Town, Monmouth Town and Goytre United – three of which are tier three sides – to reach this stage for the first time.
The two sides have already met in the league this season, with Rockspur captain Gareth Morrell scoring a late equaliser to cancel out Iestyn Rees’ opener for Pontarddulais in a 1-1 draw in September.
Trefelin v Coedpoeth United (Saturday, 17:30)
Trefelin will hope for some respite from their Novira Cymru Premier struggles when they host fourth tier Coedpoeth United on Saturday evening.
Andy Hill’s side have won just one of their 16 league matches in their debut top-flight season and lost 13, but were convincing 4-1 winners over Llantwit Major in the previous round of the FAW Welsh Cup as Jasper Jones scored a hat-trick.
However, they should be wary of Coedpoeth, who defeated Novira Cymru North side Guilsfield on penalties in Round Two. Coedy, who currently sit fifth in North East Wales Division One, have also defeated Penyffordd Lions, Welshpool Town and St Asaph City and have lost just three of their 17 games in all competitions this season.
