NWCFA Junior Cup third round previews – Saturday, February 15 (1.30 pm unless stated)
This is the competition which toots my horn, twirls my bow-tie and makes me as excited as that Sky TV goofball Jim White on transfer deadline day.
It’s the one and only NWCFA Junior Cup, which is at the last 16 stage.
Seven ties (weather permitting) take place on Saturday, with Arriva Bangor v Menai Bridge Tigers held over till next Friday, February 21.
Abergele v Caergybi
Flying high in the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier, Abergele celebrated a stunning 11-10 penalties victory over Rhuddlan Town in the last round.
Gwynedd League hopefuls Caergybi, meanwhile, won at NFA, becoming the only team to beat the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Division One newcomers this season.
Bangor 1876 v Llanystumdwy (2 pm kick-off)
In three previous meetings this season, 1876 have hammered Llanystumdwy 11-0, 6-0 and 13-0.
On that basis, the visitors to Treborth have the slimmest of chances of an upset this Saturday.
Llandudno Amt Res v Trearddur Bay Bulls
This tie offers the hint of an upset.
While lying a modest fourth in Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Division One, Amateurs Reserves have KO’d higher level opponents twice in the competition to date, and are renowned cup battlers.
However, Gwynedd League visitors Bulls have had an impressive campaign on the whole, and at their best should have what it takes to progress.
Llangoed & District v Bro Goronwy
One of the ties of the round as two teams within close proximity of each other in the Gwynedd League meet for a place in the last eight.
Cup holders Bro are fifth in their tier-five league and despite having to rebuild their squad this season are in general doing pretty well.
Llangoed can really hit the heights on their day and might fancy their chances with home advantage on the table.
Mountain Rangers v Talysarn Celts
One of only two remaining Anglesey League representatives in the competition, the Rangers will face tricky opponents in Talysarn.
The Gwynedd League Celts have already taken four points out of six against high-flying Trearddur Bay Bulls this season.
Rangers, meanwhile, are third in the Anglesey League and still live title contenders, but their form has dipped of late.
Nefyn United v Llysfaen
What a brilliant tie this could end up being.
Gwynedd League high-riders Nefyn are really flying of late, and have lost just three times all season – to runaway league leaders Bangor 1876 and higher-level Bangor City in the Welsh Cup, plus Denbigh Town in the FAW Trophy.
Normally, the Penwaig would be expected to blow away opposition from Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Division One, but Llysfaen are unbeaten all season across 16 matches and will see Saturday’s trip to Cae’r Delyn as a chance to make a massive statement.
Rhos United v Llansannan
Both these sides compete in the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Premier, but Rhos are rock bottom without a single points, while Sannan sit fifth and still with an outside chance of embarking on a title push if they win games in hand.
Tom Lewis’ Llansannan side also have a 3-0 league win over Rhos on their record this season.