32 clubs will compete in the JD Welsh Cup third round over the weekend. There will be nine representatives from the JD Cymru Premier, 14 clubs from the second-tier, seven third-tier teams, along with Port Talbot from the fourth-tier, and Glynneath Town from tier five.
Friday, 21 November
Cambrian United (2) v Pen-y-bont (1)
Llandudno (2) v Connah’s Quay (1)
Llanelli Town (1) v Barry Town United (1)
Cardiff Met (1) v The New Saints (1)
Saturday, 22 November
Bangor 1876 (3) v Holywell Town (2)
Carmarthen Town (2) v Colwyn Bay (1)
Caernarfon Town (1) v Penrhyncoch (2)
Dolgellau (3) v Caerau Ely (2)
Cardiff Draconians (2) v Trefelin (2)
Glynneaeth Town (5) v Trearddur Bay (3)
Penrhiwceiber (3) v Gresford Athletic (2)
Porthmadog (3) v Port Talbot (4)
Treowen Stars (2) v Pontypridd United (2)
Y Rhyl 1879 (2) v Cwmbrân Town (3)
Flint Town United (1) v Airbus UK (2)
Sunday, 23 November
Newport City (2) v Blaenavon Blues (3)
The action kicks off on Friday night when the JD Welsh Cup holders, The New Saints will look to knock Cardiff Met out of the competition for the third successive season.
Cardiff Met won 3-2 away from home in a league fixture against the Saints earlier this month, but Craig Harrison’s crew will be seeking revenge against the Archers this Friday.
In the only other tie between two top-tier teams, bottom of the table Llanelli Town will welcome Barry Town United to Stebonheath Park – two clubs that have had their hands on the cup since the turn of the century.
Connah’s Quay have lifted the Welsh Cup twice in the last 10 years, and they’ll be hoping to avoid an upset against one of JD Cymru North’s strongest sides, Llandudno.
Pen-y-bont managed to reach the final in 2021/22 before losing out to TNS, and Rhys Griffiths’ gang will be keen to go a step further this year, but they will also have to beat tough opponents as they face the JD Cymru South leaders, Cambrian United.
Bangor City lifted the cup three times in a row between 2008 and 2010, and the new-look, Bangor City 1876 will face a difficult challenge against Holywell Town on Saturday afternoon.
2006/07 winners Carmarthen Town will welcome Colwyn Bay to Richmond Park as the clubs meet for the first time ever live on S4C.
There will be a feisty Flintshire derby at the Essity Stadium as JD Cymru Premier strugglers, Flint Town United host JD Cymru North promotion hopefuls, Airbus UK.
Caernarfon Town have never reached the final of the Welsh Cup but will be favourites to see off Penrhyncoch who are yet to win a game in the JD Cymru North this season.
Rhyl were the winners of the Welsh Cup in 2005/06, and the Lilywhites will welcome Cwmbran Town to the Belle Vue on Saturday afternoon, a club that has reached the final on three occasions but has never lifted the trophy.
Tier-four side, Port Talbot managed to beat their local rivals, Afan Lido from the second tier in the last round, and the Steelmen’s reward is a trip to Porthmadog on Saturday afternoon.
Glynneath Town are the lowest ranked team left in the competition, and the fifth-tier side will relish the opportunity to host Trearddur Bay, who are two leagues above them.
