Previews of today’s northern FAW Trophy ties

Today brings some really interesting looking match-ups in the last 64 of the national Dragon Signs FAW Amateur Trophy.

In the north section, 12 tier 3, 8 tier 4 and 2 clubs from tier 5 of the pyramid will take part in Saturday’s 11 third round ties.

FAW AMATEUR TROPHY ROUND THREE (2 pm – LAST 64)

Aberffraw v Rhayader Town

Will giant-killing kings Aberffraw strike again?

The tier 4 side from Anglesey take on tier 3 Rhayader at Cae Cynlas.

In recent seasons, Berffro have knocked the likes of Bodedern Athletic, Llanrwst United, Trearddur Bay and Llanrug United out of cups when they were big underdogs.

Bethesda Athletic v Bow Street

Big test for in-form Bethesda who went top of the tier 4 North Wales Coast West Premier Division last weekend with a 7-1 drubbing of Llanrug.

The fact Bow Street eliminated Bangor 1876 from the Welsh Cup says it all. Huge occasion for Pesda and hopefully a large crowd to cheer them on.

Llanberis v Caersws

Llanberis can trouble the best, but they will face a major hurdle today when tier 3 high-flyers Caersws visit Ffordd Padarn.

The Darans started the season well, but ‘Sws won the Ardal Northern Cup last season and just missed out on promotion to Cymru North.

Llanfairpwll v Llansantffraid Village

What a great occasion it promises to be at Maes Eilian.

Llanfairpwll have made a flying start to 2022-23 in tier 5 North Wales Coast West Division One, but can they see off tier 4 Llansantffraid of the Central Wales Northern Division (T4)?

Llay Welfare v Y Felinheli

It’s an all tier 3 clash at The Ring.

Llay have been strong at home all season and sit second in Ardal North West, while Felinheli are third from bottom.

Meliden v Bangor 1876

Big turnout expected at The Mine as Meliden welcome tier 3 Ardal North West leaders 1876.

The Prestatyn-area hosts have been around a long time, but this will probably be one of their biggest-ever games. Meliden play in the tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier and are a very capable side.

Bangor 1876 bring a major goal threat and will be on a high after winning their coastal derby at Rhyl last weekend.

Mochdre Sports v Llanfair United

It is uplifting to see our tier 4 and 5 coast clubs get the chance to entertain big names in the Trophy.

This will be the case at Mochdre, where Sports host Ardal North East high-flyers and recent Cymru North dwellers Llanfair.

It is certainly not beyond the Sports to spring an upset.

Nantlle Vale v Llandudno Albion

Another all Ardal North West tussle.

While league position favours Nantlle, the Vale have slipped up a couple of times at home this season and Albion are fond of this competition having reached the final in 2019-20 only to be denied the chance to play it due to Covid.

CPD Nefyn United v CPD Y Rhyl 1879

How will Rhyl respond to last weekend’s loss to Bangor 1876 and the suspensions and injuries which result from it?

It’s a long journey to tier 4 Nefyn who will relish a chance to take on a formidable opponent.

Rhos Aelwyd v Saltney Town

Hard to pick a winner here.

Ardal North East Rhos, who have been up near the top all season, face a tricky Saltney outfit who can test the best on their day and have a fine record in knockout competitions in recent times.

Trearddur Bay v Llannefydd

Tier 5 Trearddur will have their work cut out to overcome one of tier 4’s giants in Llannefydd, who nonetheless have had a couple of blips recently.

How vital will 20-goal top scorer Asa Thomas be for the hosts?

Definitely a potential giant-killing in the air, but if Llannefydd are at their best they will be extremely tough to beat.