Bangor looking to avoid cup shock
FIVE-TIME Welsh Cup winners Bangor City will be hoping they do not make the headlines for the wrong reasons this afternoon.
The Citizens travel to giant-killers Llanrhaeadre Ym Mochnant, who caused a major upset in round three, defeating Welsh Premier top-six qualifiers Cefn Druids 3-2.
Bangor are one of a number of top tier sides, who face potential banana skin-ties today, but manager Kevin Nicholson is confident his players will not underestimate the Spar Mid Wales side.
“It is important we go there with the right mentality as they have already beaten Druids. It is probably the biggest game in their history and they will pack their ground and try to put pressure on us.
“We go there with nothing to fear, but it’s important to get the first goal as that will put pressure on them to come at us and that will open up more space.”
Carmarthen Town, who look destined for the drop, appear to be the Welsh Premier side most in danger as they face Airbus at The Airfield, the hosts fourth in the Huws Gray Alliance with an outside chance of a return to the top flight..
Connah’s Quay have appointed Neil Gibson as first-team coach, after 14 years at Prestatyn, and, with home advantage, his side should prevail against Porthmadog, who are on a three-match winning run and thrashed Panteg 7-2 in the previous round.
Niall McGuiness saw his Rhyl side eliminated from the competition, but he has a second chance when his current side Flint Town United host Newtown.
The injury-ravaged Cardiff Met are involved in the only all-Welsh Premier clash when they host Aberystwyth, whose manager Neville Powell will be hoping that the January shake up of his squad will pay dividends.
Ruthin Town despatched Prestatyn 3-0 in the previous round and will be looking to gain another totier scalp at Llandudno.
There is a guaranteed place for one lower league side as Welsh League Division Two table-toppers Pontypridd host tier-five side Penydarren BGC who, remarkably, have won their last 24 games in all competitions.