MINNOWS READY TO PEN EVEN MORE CUP HISTORY

IT’S David verses Goliath at Nantporth in the Welsh Cup this afternoon as eight-time former winners Bangor City lock horns with Penydarren BGC for a place in the semi-finals (2.45pm).

The last eight tie is undoubtedly the biggest in the history of Merthyr Tydfil-based Penydarren, who currently ply their trade in the South Wales Alliance Premier Division – which is the level below the Welsh League and four divisions below Welsh Premier League giants Bangor.

Kerry Mullins’ Penydarren side are unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, storming to 24 wins from 25 matches. Remarkably, this is their first season competing in the Welsh Cup and is a run that began with a 5-3 home win over Penrhiwceiber Rangers in the first qualifying round back in August.

“We haven’t come across anyone as highly ranked as Bangor, so we’re just going to go up and enjoy the day,” said boss Mullins.

“We’d like to be competitive but, at the end of the day, to come as far we have the first time we entered the cup – everyone at the club is over the moon. I would imagine we’ll take 2-300 minimum up, they’ll make some noise and it’ll be a good atmosphere.”

The pitch passed an inspection yesterday and should go ahead while the entire programme across Wales was decimated by the inclement weather.

Other Welsh Cup ties Llandudno v Newtown, Carmarthen Town v Aberystwyth Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads v The New Saints will be rearranged for this coming midweek after being postponed.

The scheduled Welsh Premier match between Prestatyn Town and Barry Town United was also off – with the Welsh League and Huws Gray Alliance wiped out.

Meanwhile, Cwmamman United, who are battling to save their Welsh League Division One status, have parted company with boss Mark Snell, with Eirian Rees placed in temporary charge.