City and Cefni looking strong in Welsh Cup
BANGOR City and Llangefni Town will both be strong favourites to progress to the next stage of the Welsh Cup after landing home draws against lower league opposition.
The Citizens will host Mold Alexandra of the Welsh National League Premier Division, while Cefni welcome Borth United of Mid-Wales Division Two on the weekend of October 19-21.
While eight-time cup winners City enter the national competition at this round one stage, Llangefni swept aside Saltney Town 4-0 in Saturday’s second qualifying round clash at Lon Talwrn.
Cefni manager Chris Roberts was more than happy with Monday’s draw.
“I would have welcomed any club at home really,” he said. “I feel we are playing well and would have liked to have tested ourselves against a Cymru Alliance side.
“Now that we know we will be facing Borth, I am looking forward to their visit and I will ensure we prepare well for another tough match.
“They had a great result in the last round against their local rivals Bow Street. The Welsh Cup is a great competition and I always look forward to it every season.
“Although promotion is our priority this season it is always good to go as far as possible in this competition and really test yourself against higher league opposition.
“I won’t forget us playing Caernarfon Town in the Welsh Cup a couple of seasons ago and taking them all the way to penalties – that was a great game to be involved in.”
Llangefni overcame Welsh National League side Saltney relatively comfortably.
Mathew Jones opened the scoring four minutes in with a clinical finish. Jones was also at the heart of the action for Llangefni’s second, his cross finding Kev Lloyd, whose shot hit the underside of the crossbar and came out, with Alan Mark Owen acting quickest to convert the rebound.
Saltney responded positively, but Ben Berrett ended any hope of an away comeback, getting sent off in the 80th minute for a horrible tackle on Jack Williams.
Cefni made the extra man count. On 82 minutes Jack Williams cut in from the left to square to Mathew Jones, who scored his second.
Lloyd finished things off in dramatic style, his brilliant 25-yard strike finding the top corner.
Holyhead Town secured a trip to Huws Gray Alliance outfit Denbigh Town in round one after pipping Llanberis 4-3.
Jordie Lees, Ry Lees, Gary Jo Owen and Luke Roberts got a goal apiece for the Harbourmen.
Aberffraw put up a great show only to lose 4-3 on penalties to Welsh National League Premier team Rhostyllen following a 0-0 draw.