Women’s football: Welsh Cup, NEWFA Cup, Welsh Premier and NW League previews
Sunday, November 24
Welsh Premier Women’s League (2 pm)
Cyncoed v Llandudno
Llandudno make the long trip to Cardiff hopeful that last weekend’s 6-1 Welsh Cup victory over Llanfair will give them confidence to pick up a positive result.
Tudno’s previous two visits to the capital this season have ended in disaster, bringing a 10-0 loss at Cardiff City Women and crushing 17-0 defeat away to Cardiff Met University.
However, the Seasiders did win on the road at the start of the season, 1-0 at Briton Ferry Llansawel.
A home draw with Aberystwyth has given Sarah Colville’s side four points from five games, placing them currently fifth in the table.
Cyncoed are one off the bottom of the nine-team league and have yet to register a win.
Llandudno will be looking to repeat last season’s performance at Cyncoed, which delivered a 5-3 victory, Mari Gibbard and Fflur Williams scoring two apiece.
One setback for Tudno has been the departure of the versatile Catrin Thomas, who has rejoined Mountain Rangers of North Wales League Division Two.
Cyncoed v Llandudno – Welsh Premier head-to-head
2015-16: Llandudno 0 Cyncoed 1; Cyncoed 1 Llandudno 5.
2016-17: Llandudno 2 Cyncoed 2; Cyncoed 4 Llandudno 2.
2017-18: Cyncoed 3 Llandudno 0; Llandudno 0 Cyncoed 4.
2018-19: Cyncoed 3 Llandudno 5; Llandudno 1 Cyncoed 2.
Played: 8
Wins: Llandudno 2 Cyncoed 5. Draws – 1.
FAW Women’s Welsh Cup round two (2 pm)
Denbigh Town v Connah’s Quay Nomads
The incentive of a home tie in the quarter-finals against Welsh Premier side Port Talbot awaits the winner of this attractive clash at Denbigh.
Both Town and Quay have scored many goals in their respective North Wales League divisions this season, so it could be a busy afternoon for the keepers.
Only concern for Nomads is they have not played five weeks, whereas Denbigh were out just a fortnight ago when they triumphed 12-2 at Mountain Rangers in the NEWFA Cup.
Rhyl v Bethel (at Belle Vue, 1.30 pm)
These North Wales Division One sides will battle for the right to visit Welsh Premier leaders Swansea City in the quarter-finals.
Rhyl have already drawn 2-2 at Bethel in the league, so will take confidence from that outcome.
Bethel are without captain Gwenno Gibbard-Bolton with a knee injury until after Christmas, so will rely on their considerable other young talent to see them through.
FAW Women’s Welsh Cup quarter-final draw
Cardiff City Women v Cardiff Met
Denbigh Town or Connah’s Quay Nomads v Port Talbot
Llandudno v Abergavenny
Swansea City v Rhyl or Bethel
(Ties to be played February 9, 2020)
NEWFA Cup
Llanfair United v Airbus
After the disappointment of last weekend’s Welsh Cup exit at Llandudno, Llanfair will be determined to retain their hold on the NEWFA Cup.
They host Airbus in this competition on Sunday, and will be boosted by the fact they defeated the Wingmakers 5-1 at Mount Road in a North Wales League Division One encounter three weeks ago.
Airbus are still looking to strengthen their squad, having lost a number of players to departures and injuries in recent times.
North Wales Women’s League Division Two (1 pm)
Holywell v NFA
Rhyl-based NFA are settling nicely into life in Division Two, having jumped up to second spot after their latest victory.
They should have the tools to win at newcomers Holywell, who have yet to pick up a point, although they are now building vital confidence by performing well in the North Wales Ladies Recreational League.
Mountain Rangers v Pwllheli
Good contest expected between the third and fourth placed sides in Division Two, each having nine points and both with 29 goals to their credit.
Rangers have just signed Catrin Thomas from Welsh Premier League club Llandudno, which will give them plenty of added strength in attack.
Penrhyn Bay v Amlwch Town
Leaders Amlwch will aim to make it six without defeat when they travel to a much-improved Penrhyn Bay.
Both teams play attacking football and possess players who know where the goal is, so it could be a high-scoring affair.
Right-winger Ceri Slaney is back in contention for Amlwch after recovering from an operation, while returning defenders Laura Eynon and Charley Smith are in line to make their season’s debuts for the club.