There were no upsets for the JD Cymru Premier sides in the Welsh Cup last weekend as all 12 of the seeded top-flight teams secured their place in the third round of the competition. The attention turns back to the league this weekend as The New Saints look to increase their three point lead at the summit.
Friday, 10 September
Caernarfon Town v Cefn Druids | Friday – 19:45
After 14 consecutive defeats there was finally a reason to celebrate for Cefn Druids on Saturday as they knocked out Holyhead Hotspur in the second round of the Welsh Cup.
But Niall McGuinness’ side certainly won’t get carried away as it ended goalless at the Rock after 90 minutes, and the Ancients had to win on penalties to see off the club who are currently 12th in the JD Cymru North.
Caernarfon Town needed no luck in their comfortable 4-0 win against Denbigh Town of the third tier as Rob Hughes stole the show at Central Park with two goals and two assists for the Canaries.
Cefn Druids only won twice on the road last season, with one of those victories coming at Caernarfon’s Oval, the other at Flint Town United.
But Caernarfon Town won the following reverse fixture (Cefn 1-2 Cfon), where Aaron Simpson scored his only goal of the season for the Druids before signing for the Cofis this summer.
Saturday, 11 September
Pen-y-bont v The New Saints | Saturday – 14:30
The New Saints are setting the pace this season as Anthony Limbrick’s outfit have won all four of their league fixtures, before beating Llanrwst 6-0 in the cup on Saturday.
Pen-y-bont went one better, winning 7-0 against Undy Athletic, but the league results have not been as satisfying for Rhys Griffiths’ side who are still waiting for their first win of the season in the JD Cymru Premier (drawn 3, lost 1).
It will be a tough ask for Pen-y-bont who have lost all previous seven meetings with The New Saints.
Bala Town v Haverfordwest County | Saturday – 14:30
It was a historical day for Bala Town on Saturday who recorded a jaw-dropping 17-1 victory against Brymbo Athletic, which was the biggest win in the Welsh Cup since Mold Alyn Stars 0-21 Shrewsbury Town in the 1894/95 first round.
Chris Venables scored five goals on his return from suspension, and the Bala captain will be determined to start climbing the league’s top scorer chart, setting his sights on his 6th Golden Boot.
Haverfordwest County are into the next round of the cup after a 6-0 triumph over Brecon Corries, and the Bluebirds will hope to build on the result and go on to secure their first league win of the season (drawn 1, lost 3).
Bala Town only lost once at Maes Tegid up until March of last season, and that defeat came against Haverfordwest County with Jack Wilson netting a dramatic late winner back in October (Bala 1-2 Hav).
Barry Town United v Connah’s Quay | Saturday – 14:30
Barry Town United and Connah’s Quay have progressed into the third round of the Welsh Cup after beating Goytre (2-0) and Y Rhyl 1879 (5-0) of the third and fourth tier.
Current champions, Connah’s Quay are still unbeaten in this domestic season, but Andy Morrison will be disappointed that his team are already trailing The New Saints by four points following the Nomads’ two draws against Pen-y-bont and Caernarfon.
But Connah’s Quay will be confident going into Saturday’s match as they haven’t lost any of their previous 10 meetings with Barry Town United (won 6, drawn 4).
Flint Town United v Newtown | Saturday – 14:30
The Welsh Cup seeding system worked favourably for these clubs as well, with both teams getting home draws against third tier clubs – Flint Town United won 5-0 against Penrhyndeudraeth, while Newtown secured a 6-1 victory against local rivals Berriew.
Flint Town United’s perfect start to the season came to an end in their last league outing as they narrowly lost 1-0 away at The New Saints, and another defeat for Flint on Saturday would see Newtown leap above Neil Gibson’s men.
On their return to the top-flight, the Silkmen won 1-0 against Newtown on the opening day of last season, but it was the Robins who got the better of things in the following three meetings.
Aberystwyth Town v Cardiff Met | Saturday – 17:15
After a shaky start to the season, Cardiff Met are now on a run of four games without defeat, including their 1-0 cup win at Pontardawe last weekend.
Aberystwyth Town on the other hand have lost three league games on the bounce after a fantastic opening day victory against Barry Town United.
The Seasiders scored nine goals against fourth tier Aber Valley on Saturday, but the Black & Greens have only won one of their eight battles against Cardiff Met at Park Avenue (drawn 2, lost 5).
The students are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Aberystwyth Town (won 3, drawn 2), and the Ceredigion crew suffered their heaviest defeat of the season in the last meeting between these sides back in April (Met 5-1 Aber).
Highlights of the weekend’s matches will be on Sgorio this Monday at 5:30.
