After last weekend’s first round matches, the Nathaniel MG Cup continues this weekend. We’ve taken a look at five of the most exciting ties taking place in round two.
26 teams from the north and south of the country competed in Round One, and there are 15 matches scheduled to take place (not including Conwy Borough/Bangor City v The New Saints) in Round Two, as the Cymru Premier sides enter the competition.
Geographical rivalries, sides with a point to prove, potential repeats of last season and the opportunity to cause an upset or two – there is certainly a lot riding on many of the games taking place this weekend.
Rhyl v Connah’s Quay Nomads (Saturday, August 10 – 14:30)
Belle Vue – the home of Rhyl FC (Image: Rhyl FC)
A battle of two of the most well-known north Walian teams, the Nomads will play at Belle Vue for the third time this summer; after their Europa League home ties against Kilmarnock and Partizan Belgrade.
Rhyl compete in the Cymru North, the tier below the Cymru Premier, and will hope to spring an early season upset on Andy Morrison’s men.
Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side finished fourth in last season’s Cymru Alliance, and should see this game as a good opportunity to provide them with some momentum ahead of the start of the new league season.
The Nomads will of course provide stern opposition, and go into the game as firm favourites. Yet to win this competition, you would like to think that they will field a strong eleven, in a game which should be played in front of a healthy crowd.
Cefn Druids v Prestatyn Town (Saturday, August 10 – 14:30)
Cefn Druids celebrate qualifying for the Europa League in the 2017/18 season. (Image: Jordan Jones)
Much has been made of Prestatyn’s busy summer in the transfer market, which has seen them announce the return of a handful of players who were involved in the 2016/17 title-winning campaign.
Many will have the Seasiders down as favourites to achieve that feat once again in 2019/20, and it will be interesting to see how much manager Neil Gibson values this competition when it comes to team selection.
Should they go near to full strength, Huw Griffiths and his Druids side will know that they are in for a game at the Rock.
The 2017/18 Europa League play-off winners came up short against second-tier opposition last season, losing 4-3 at home to now-top flight side Airbus UK, and will be desperate to avoid a repeat this time around.
Cambrian and Clydach Vale v Aberystwyth Town (Saturday, August 10 – 14:30)
Cambrian and Clydach Vale celebrate their famous win against The New Saints. (Image: Will Cheshire)
This game is a repeat of last season’s second round tie, which saw Dane Williams’ side cause an upset as they ran out 3-1 winners at the M&P 3G.
The Rhondda side have been able to strengthen in the off season, as they target promotion from the Cymru South, while Aber have lost a couple of key players.
The Black and Greens will of course be out for revenge after last season’s disappointing result, something which should act as their primary motivation.
Cam are known for their attractive brand of football, while Aber have exciting players of their own who will look to put on a spectacle for supporters.
Haverfordwest County v Barry Town United (Saturday, August 10 – 14:30)
Barry will travel to west Wales this weekend. (Image: Rhys Skinner)
This game has all of the makings of a real classic, with the Bluebirds – many punters’ favourites for promotion – coming up against the Linnets; who were so good to watch last season and recently competed in the Europa League qualifiers.
Sometimes, teams are guilty of going into their shell when they’re faced with top flight opposition, but you can be sure that Haverfordwest won’t fall foul of this.
Followers of the second tier will be familiar with their attacking intent, which is something that gives them a fighting chance against higher quality opposition.
Gavin Chesterfield’s men should view this competition as a good opportunity to win some silverware, and they will certainly want to improve on last year’s showing – where they exited at the first round after losing to Cambrian and Clydach Vale.
Newtown v Ammanford (Saturday, August 10 – 14:30)
Swansea City legend Lee Trundle recently joined Ammanford. (Image: Lewis Mitchell)
The Robins will have to be on their guard to avoid an early upset against an Ammanford side who posses some dangerous players in the forward areas.
They yesterday announced the arrival of former Swansea City winger Andy Robinson, and will link up with former teammate Lee Trundle, who joined from Trefelin.
Newtown were another one of Cambrian and Clydach Vale’s victims in last season’s competition, falling at the second round stage, and will be keen to avoid a second successive defeat to a second tier outfit.
The Latham Park side have done some good business during the window, and will feel as if they have more than enough to get the job done – particularly at home.
If both teams opt to not worry too much about the defensive side and try to score some goals, this could be a cracker to watch for the neutral.
(Featured image: Will Cheshire)
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