South Wales Senior Cup

THE chequered history of the South Wales Senior Cup has seen this famous old football tournament undergo more radical change, writes Tony Poole.

Builth were the inaugural winners way back in 1893, and ever since the cup competition has ebbed and flowed.

The names of Cardiff City, Merthyr Tydfil and Barry Town are etched on it – and even Swansea Town before the outbreak of World War Two.

There are just two local winners – Maesteg Park in 1979 and 1991 – while in 2015, Cornelly Utd had a moment in the sun.

But the Meadow Street boys weren’t given an opportunity to retain the famous old cup, as the South Wales FA (SWFA) opted for change during the 2015/16 campaign.

In an attempt to welcome top Nathaniel Cars Welsh League clubs into the fold, only clubs with floodlighting were able to compete, and Taffs Well were the 2016 winners.

Last year Penybont opted in, but the writing was already on the wall for the cup as only eight top clubs bothered to enter.

Bont, in fact, highlighted huge flaws in gaining a massive 17-3 win over Aberdare Town at the Kymco Stadium.

Once more the merit of the cup was highlighted and though Bont won 4-0 at Afan Lido to reach the final, they then lost out to Taffs Well in a delayed final.

It was eventually staged at Cambrian & Clydach and with the tie ending 2-2 after extra-time, Bont lost 4-3 on penalties.

So, the SWFA decided during the summer to take it back to grass roots.

And the second round on October 14 has attracted plenty of Bridgend County local interest with ties involving the following clubs: AFC Rhoose v Brackla, Brynna v Caerau All Whites, Croeserw v Tondu Robins, Pantyscallog v Penyrenglyn or Llangeinor, Cwrt Rawlin v Cornelly Utd, Cwm Rhondda v FC Maesteg, FC Porthcawl v Tonyrefail, Gellideg v Betws, Glyncorrwg v Broadlands, Mountain Ash or Navi v Maesteg Park, Nelson Cavaliers v Sarn, Vale Utd v Stanleytown or Cwmavon.