Round One of the JD Welsh Cup delivered a thrilling weekend of football across Wales, packed with penalty shootout drama, goals and cup upsets.
The action kicked off on Friday evening, where Afan Lido came from behind to claim a 3-2 victory over Evans and Williams. Christopher Ferrier put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute, but quick-fire goals from John Hall and Jordan Langley turned the game on its head before the break.
Johden De Meyer extended Lido’s lead in the second half, making it 3-1, before Liam Samuel netted a late consolation in stoppage time.
Also on Friday, there was early cup drama as Tier 4 side Broughton United stunned Welshpool Town, progressing 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
James Rutter gave the underdogs a dream start before Richard Litchfield levelled midway through the second half. With no breakthrough in normal time, Broughton held their nerve in the shoot-out to secure a famous win.
One of Saturday’s standout clashes came at Cwmbran Stadium, where Cwmbran Town and Ynyshir Albions delivered a classic. The two sides played out a pulsating 4-4 draw in regular time before The Crows, three-time JD Welsh Cup runners-up, edged through 3-2 on penalties in front of a lively crowd.
Elsewhere, Ammanford of the JD Cymru South suffered a shock exit at the hands of Tier 3 side Goytre United. Just a week after a 10-0 defeat to Penrhiwceiber Rangers in the Ardal South West, the away side showed remarkable resilience to bounce back. A 1-1 draw in normal time sent the tie to penalties, where Jaiden Rees slotted home the decisive spot-kick to complete the upset.
Meanwhile, Penrhiwceiber Rangers continued their free-scoring form with a commanding 7-0 victory over Pentwynmawr Athletic. Ricky Carter, Harvey Hughes, and Joseph Jenkins all found the net, while substitute James Thornton came off the bench to score twice and provide an assist in a dominant display at Glassbrook.
In the north, it was raining goals as Gresford Athletic came out on top in a 10-goal thriller, beating Saltney Town 7-3. Jake Roberts was the standout performer with a brace and an assist, despite missing a penalty that denied him a first JD Welsh Cup hat-trick. Iwan Roberts, Haci Ozlu, Dominic Deacon, and an own goal from Riley Hayden also contributed to the goal tally.
Over in St Asaph, Bangor 1876 put on a clinical display, running out 6-0 winners against St Asaph City. Corrig McGonigle was at the heart of everything, scoring twice and setting up another. Josh Carey, Dylan Summers-Jones, Jack Smith, and a Nathan Jones own goal rounded off a comfortable afternoon for Michael Johnston’s side.
JD Welsh Cup Round Two draw details
The draw for Round Two of the competition will be broadcast live on RedWall+ on Thursday, 25 September from 8pm.
