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

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.

First Round draw – Northern Section

First Round draw – Southern Section

Afan Lido v Cwmbran Celtic

Pontypridd Town v STM Sports

Undy Athletic v Cwmamman United

Swansea University v Llantwit Major

Goytre United v Caerau Ely

Ammanford v Penrhyncoch

Briton Ferry Llansawel v Taffs Well

Second Round draw – Northern Section

Berriew/Corwen v Caernarfon Town

Bala Town v Gresford/Colwyn Bay

Buckley/Rhyl v Connah’s Quay Nomads

Airbus UK Broughton v Llanfair United/Llangefni Town

Cefn Druids v Prestatyn Town/Llanrhaeadr

Conwy Borough/Bangor City v The New Saints

Flint Town United v Porthmadog

Ruthin/Guilsfield v Llandudno

Second Round draw – Southern Section

Cambrian & Clydach Vale v Aberystwyth Town

Haverfordwest County v Barry Town United

Newtown v Ammanford/Penrhyncoch

Carmarthen Town v Undy Athletic/Cwmamman United

Swansea University/Llantwit Major v Cardiff Met

Penybont v Goytre United/Caerau Ely

Briton Ferry Llansawel/Taffs Well v Llanelli Town

Pontypridd Town/STM Sports v Afan Lido/Cwmbran Celtic

(Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse)