The draw for the first and second round of next season’s Nathaniel MG Cup took place yesterday, and provided us with some exciting ties to look forward to.
A record number of teams will compete in the competition when the 28th instalment gets underway at the beginning of August.
Teams from the re-branded FAW Championship’s North and South will compete in the first round, with mid Wales outfit Berriew entering as a wildcard.
So which ties catch the eye the most?
Gresford Athletic vs. Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay will return to the Welsh system after a 35-year hiatus. (NCM Media)
One particularly eye-catching tie is the one which will take place at Clappers Lane, where Gresford Athletic host Colwyn Bay.
This game will mark the Seagulls’ return to the Welsh system after 35 years in England, and will provide spectators with the opportunity to assess how they are likely to fare in the second tier.
With much of the attention expected to be focused on the visitors, Gresford will be keen to display what they are capable of, with a trip to top flight Bala Town the reward for the winner.
Conwy Borough vs. Bangor City
Nantporth side Bangor City are away in the first round. (This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.)
Another Northern Section tie that is likely to draw considerable interest is Bangor City’s trip to Y Morfa Stadium to face Conwy Borough.
The Citizens have been embroiled in off-the-field troubles in recent times, and were deducted 21 points from the tally they accrued in the 2018/19 Cymru Alliance campaign.
The Nantporth side have announced a host of signings ahead of the new campaign, with Citizens fans keen to see how they settle into their new surroundings.
Following the points deduction, Conwy (36) finished ahead of Bangor (30) by six points, and with their notable attack, spearheaded by prolific striker Corrig McGonigle, they will fancy their chances of springing an early-season setback on their north Walian rivals.
If there wasn’t already enough motivation for either side, the fact that the winner will face The New Saints should provide reason for both teams to give 100%.
Pontypridd Town vs. STM Sports
Free-scoring STM Sports will face Pontypridd Town. (Mike James)
Recently-promoted STM Sports were handed an away tie with fellow FAW Championship South side Pontypridd Town in the first round.
The Llanrumney side were exciting to watch during their rise up the leagues, netting 108 times on their way to winning the Welsh Football League Division Two title last time out.
For much of last season, it appeared as if the two sides were set to swap positions, with the Dragons languishing towards the bottom of Division One.
However, the arrival of Lee Kendall changed their fortunes, as they finished the season strongly and were able to preserve their status in the second tier.
The side, now managed by Jon Jones, have a goal-scoring threat of their own in Luke Gullick, who found the net 17 times last term, inspiring his team’s survival bid.
Swansea University vs. Llantwit Major
Defensively stubborn Llantwit Major will play high-scoring Swansea University. (Jordan Jones)
Ahead of their debut season in the second tier, Swansea University were drawn at home to Llantwit Major, who were impressive in their maiden Division One season in 2018/19.
After securing back-to-back promotions, Major proved a tough nut to crack on their way to finishing seventh.
Their goals conceded tally was bettered only by the top three sides in the league: Penybont, Cambrian and Clydach and Haverfordwest County.
The Students, who were promoted with STM Sports, found the net exactly 100 times in their 30 league games, meaning that Major will need to be at their defensive best to keep them at bay.
Ammanford vs. Penrhyncoch
Swansea City legend Lee Trundle recently joined Ammanford. (Lewis Mitchell)
This is a game which stands out from the other Southern Section ties because it is the only which doesn’t involve two south Walian sides.
Ceredigion outfit Penrhyncoch – who will compete in the the FAW Champions North & Mid – will make the near-60 mile journey to the Recreation Ground to face Ammanford.
The Carmarthenshire side made clear their intentions for next season with the recent announcement that Swansea City legend Lee Trundle would be joining them.
Trundle, who has had prolific goal-scoring spells in the Welsh League with the likes of Llanelli Town, Haverfordwest County and most recently Trefelin, has stated that his motivation is to help the team challenge for promotion.
South Walian-based supporters will have pinpointed this game as a chance to see the former Swan in action.
(Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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