Welsh Cup third-round draw throws up intriguing ties as Blaenymaes face Holyhead Hotspur
Holyhead Hotspur will host Blaenymaes, the lowest ranked team in the competition. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
The Welsh Cup third-round draw has delivered several intriguing ties, with the competition’s lowest-ranked side Blaenymaes handed an away trip to Cymru North opposition.
An all-West Wales Premier League clash guaranteeing lower-tier representation in the next round also came out in a draw which was broadcast on S4C’s Heno.
Blaenymaes will travel to Holyhead Hotspur, while Llangennech, another of the competition’s lower-ranked teams, have been drawn at home against Newport City, who are managed by former Football League player Robbie Willmott.
There is also a meeting between Rockspur and Pontarddulais Town, ensuring a team from the fourth tier will feature in the round of 16.
Elsewhere, reigning Welsh football heavyweights The New Saints face Briton Ferry Llansawel, while Caernarfon Town have been drawn against Holywell Town in a meeting between familiar faces from the Welsh domestic game.
Welsh Cup third-round draw in full
The Welsh Cup third draw has produced 16 ties, with matches scheduled to take place between November 13 and 15, 2026.
- Llandudno v Felinheli
- Trefelin v Coedpoeth United
- Caernarfon Town v Holywell Town
- Rockspur v Pontarddulais Town
- The New Saints v Briton Ferry Llansawel
- Cardiff Met v Dolgellau AA
- Caerau Ely v Brickfield Rangers
- Penybont v Cardiff Draconians
- Colwyn Bay v Aberystwyth Town
- Baglan Dragons v Barry Town United
- Holyhead Hotspur v Blaenymaes
- Llangennech v Newport City
- Haverfordwest County v Ammanford
- Newtown v Caerphilly Athletic
- Cambrian United v Bangor City
- Connah’s Quay Nomads v Mochdre Sports
Blaenymaes handed trip to Cymru North opposition
One of the standout ties sees Blaenymaes, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, travel to Holyhead Hotspur.
Holyhead compete in the Cymru North, setting up a test for Blaenymaes as they look to continue their Welsh Cup journey against higher-tier opposition.
The draw also gives Llangennech a home tie against Newport City. Their opponents are managed by Robbie Willmott, who played for Newport County in the English Football League, adding another point of interest to a meeting involving one of the competition’s lower-ranked sides.
Meanwhile, Rockspur will host Pontarddulais Town in an all-West Wales Premier League encounter. With both clubs drawn against each other, the tie guarantees representation from the fourth tier in the round of 16.
There are several fixtures featuring established names in Welsh football, including The New Saints’ meeting with Briton Ferry Llansawel in an all Cymru Premier tie.
Barry Town United travel to Baglan Dragons, while Haverfordwest County host Ammanford in another all top-flight encounter.
Elsewhere, Penybont face Cardiff Draconians, Cardiff Met welcome Dolgellau AA and Connah’s Quay Nomads take on Mochdre Sports.
Colwyn Bay and Aberystwyth Town will also meet, while Caernarfon Town have been paired with league rivals Holywell Town. Newtown host Caerphilly Athletic, Cambrian United face Bangor City and top-tier Trefelin meet fourth-tier Coedpoeth United from North Wales.
When will the Welsh Cup third-round ties take place?
The third round is scheduled for November 13-15, 2026.
The fixtures fall during the next round of UEFA Nations League matches, with Wales due to travel to face Norway on November 14 before hosting Portugal on November 17.
The scheduling means the Welsh Cup ties will take place during an international window, with clubs across the country preparing for a busy weekend of domestic cup action.
Further details on individual kick-off times and any fixture changes will be confirmed by the relevant clubs and competition organisers.
