Reaction: The #JDWelshCup quarter final draw
The quarter final draw for the 2016/17 JD Welsh Cup was made after Caernarfon’s 3-2 win against Rhyl yesterday, and it conjured up some intriguing ties for the last eight.
An all North Wales quarter final will see an all Welsh Premier clash, as The New Saints and Bangor City will go head to head. With a home advantage TNS are the favourites, but must overcome a City side who have Europa League qualification as a their prime target for the season.
In a further victory for the Huws Gray Alliance, one of its teams is guaranteed to be in the semi finals as Llanfair United host Caernarfon Town. Caernarfon Town are second and one of the strongest sides in the HGA, but Llanfair will fancy their chances having beat them 4-2 already this season.
Prestatyn Town will look to their home advantage as a key factor in their efforts to eliminate gap Connah’s Quay Nomads from the competition. The Seasiders will be buoyant after a 5-1 thrashing of Aberystwyth away – but Connahs Quay – who also won 5-1 away at Haverfordwest, will prove a mighty test for the Huws Gray Alliance leaders.
Bala Town are on paper one of the more fortunate sides of the draw, but travelling to Guilsfield away will bring them a tough afternoon after the feeder league outfit performed well to knock out Cardiff Met in the fourth round.
Anything can happen in the cup, yet after losing out to Airbus UK in the quarter finals last season, Bala may well fancy their shot at going all the way to the end this season.
All ties are to be played on the weekend of the 25/26 February.
The draw in full.
Photo credit: NCM Media
