Break time as cup takes centre stage
IT’S the second round of the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Cup this weekend.
And for some clubs, the break from the bread-and-butter league action could not have come at a worst time.
While some are welcoming a weekend off from their early-season struggles, you sense Penybont, top of the pile in Division One, Division Two leaders STM Sports and Three pacesetters Penydarren Boys and Girls club aren’t.
With all Welsh League teams having to complete 30 league fixtures, there is a train of thought that some cup games could be played as evening matches or later in the season.
Rhys Griffiths’ Penybont are a point clear of Haverfordwest and will travel to Newport-based Albion Rovers looking to keep up their unbeaten start to the season.
Rovers are in 15th place in Division Three without a league win so far, which maybe gives Griffiths the chance to play a few squad players who are short of match fitness at present.
The ex-Golden Boot winner in the Welsh Premier explained: “It’s a dilemma as a manager no matter what level of football you’re at.
“You try and run a happy ship, but ultimately every manager and their clubs would love to win a trophy.”
“We have added some quality players to our squad this season and our latest addition James Dixon got the winner in our last game, so competition for places in the team is intense at the moment.”
Division Two leaders STM are at their Llanrumney University home ground and they entertain Tredegar Town after their comprehensive victory over Caerau in round one.
Dale Gardener’s top dogs kept up their 100% league form with a hardearned 1-0 win at Caldicot last weekend where the prolific Ben Ahmun was once again their marksman.
Gardener may well have the same dilemma as Griffiths at Penybont in keeping players happy with game time, but Tredegar, who are fifth in Division Three, could be a tougher test than Albion Rovers.
Promotion is definitely the St Mellons team’s aim this season after narrowly missing out last term, but a good league cup run is well within their grasp.
Penydarren were most probably last season’s busiest club, with good cup runs in every tournament they entered.
They finished as strong champions of the South Wales Alliance League and have made a terrific start to their Welsh League life and stand top of Division Three with a maximum ninepoint haul.
Their 7-4 win at West End in round one has given them a home tie against Chepstow Town, who have started well and are two places below Penydarren in third spot in the league.
Bridgend Street, from Splott, will have the furthest to travel tomorrow as they set County.
The Mission have enjoyed their early-season action and are currently fourth in Division Two and secured a 2-1 home win against Division One Ton Pentre in round one.
A much tougher task is at hand tomorrow as the West Walian Bluebirds have nine points from three games in Division One and are always hard to beat at their Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Dinas Powys will look for cup comforts tomorrow and might enjoy a release from league action, which has yet to see them enjoy a point from five league games played so far.
They host Division Three Trefelin Boys Club and have a decent chance to make round three.
Taffs Well have a difficult all-Division One tie when they travel to Glanford off to play Haverfordwest Park to play Goytre United.
The Wellmen survived round one by winning 6-5 on penalties at Caldicot Town.
They will have to do better to progress to round three than last weekend when they were defeated 2-1 by Goytre in the league.
Caerau Ely are on the road to Ynysygerwn from Division Three and should start as favourites after a decent 2-1 home win in the league last weekend against Monmouth Town.
Karl Lewis’ Llantwit Major face a difficult away trip in an all-Divison One clash at Goytre.
Dane Williams’ Cambrian and Clydach host Ammanford, while Treharris Athletic welcome Port Talbot Town.
Pontyclun will have one of their biggest matches for a while when they entertain Afan Lido from Division One.