BUILTH Wells, Llandrindod Wells and Newbridge continue their Welsh Cup adventure tomorrow (Saturday) as the competition reaches the second round stage. The trio of local clubs are already £750 the richer following progress through the qualifying rounds and the first round proper and are aware that figure will be doubled with victory tomorrow.
Llandrindod Wells could have hardly received a tougher draw. The Spa, who have lost just one in 18 in all competitions this term, visit Cambrian & Clydach, who are unbeaten at the top of the Macwhirters Welsh League first division. It is a huge test for Llandrindod but player-manager Gareth Jones says he is dreaming of a cup upset.
Jones added: “Whatever the outcome our young squad will benefit from the experience and we are determined to enjoy the day.”
Builth Wells are the only one of the local sides at home but they too will be hard pressed to go through against Taffs Well, who also play in the Welsh League first division.
Builth player-manager Jason Samuel, who should be fit, said: “It will be very tough and we really will have to play well to win.”
He hopes to be at full strength with big defender Gavin Samuel (knee) his only injury worry. Newbridge, on paper, look to have the best chance of reaching the third round when the Welsh Premier teams enter the competition. The Villagers journey south to Newport Civil Service with joint manager Kevin Price confident that if they play to their potential, Newbridge can win the tie.
Their opponents are in the same league as Risca United whom Newbridge defeated 4-0 away in the last round. But Price and Matt Hooper know it is down to what happens on the day although Newbridge will be optimistic having lost just one in 13 this time.
Dean Clarke has served his one match suspension and Derek Craddock and Darren Abbott also make the trip having missed the win at Knighton but Greg Cutter is ruled out through injury while Matt Aubrey is unavailable.
Llanidloes Town and Montgomery Town also fly the Spar Mid Wales League flag in the Welsh Cup tomorrow. Montgomery are at home against FC Cefn while The Daffs too have a home tie but against GAP Connah’s Quay, one of the top sides in this season’s Huws Grays Alliance.