North and south Walian sides discover Nathaniel MG Cup round one and two opponents

Cardiff Metropolitan celebrate winning the Nathaniel MG Cup. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse)

The draw for the first and second round of next season’s Nathaniel MG Cup took place earlier today, with teams from north and south Wales discovering their opponents.

The draw, which was held in Bridgend, included teams from the newly-formed FAW Championship’s North and South, as well as Mid Wales League Division One outfit Berriew, who enter as a wildcard.

The 2019/20 instalment will feature the largest number of teams in the tournament’s history.

28 sides will compete in the first round, which will be held on the weekend of 2/3/4 August.

The successful teams will advance into the second round, which will be held a week later on 9/10/11 August.

One of the most notable draws included Colwyn Bay, who will return to play in Wales next season after 35 years in the English leagues. The Seagulls were handed an away tie with Gresford Athletic, which will be their first competitive game since returning.

In south Wales, there is a potential university derby on the horizon, after holders Cardiff Metropolitan were drawn to face the winners of Swansea University and Llantwit Major.

STM Sports, who will compete in the second tier for the first time next season, will travel to face Pontypridd Town in round one.

Last year’s beaten finalists, Cambrian and Clydach, will host Aberystwyth Town – who they defeated on their run to the final – in the second round.

Nine-time winners The New Saints will face former top flight rivals Bangor City in the second round, should the Citizens come out on top in their tie with Conwy Borough.

For the first time, the winner of the competition will qualify for next season’s Scottish Challenge Cup, which is known as the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup for sponsorship reasons.