Can Felinheli become the latest team to subject Newtown to a Welsh Cup giant-killing?

One of the truly eye-catching ties of the JD Welsh Cup second round is the pairing of Tier 3 Ardal North West club CPD Y Felinheli and Cymru Premier side Newtown.

Felin, who have never played higher than the third-tier, were formed in 1977 and 46 years on their meeting with the Robins next month will represent probably the club’s biggest game ever, certainly in terms of stature.

Euron Davies’ all-reds are currently fifth-bottom of Ardal North West with two wins in five, having beaten Conwy Borough away and Hawarden Rangers at home.

However, their best result of the season came last weekend when they triumphed 2-1 at Pwllheli in the Welsh Cup.

That secured them a genuine David v Goliath tie against a Newtown side which has won the Welsh Cup twice and reached five finals, the last in 2015.

Their two successes in the competition came back in 1879, when they were known as Newtown White Stars, and 1895, when they pipped Wrexham 3-2 in the final.

Before 2015, their previous final appearance was in 1897.

One unflattering feature of Newtown’s Welsh Cup performances in the Cymru Premier era has been their vulnerability to a giant-killing.

Since 2009-10, the Latham Park club have crashed out to lower league opposition SIX times.

Here is a rundown of Newtown’s unexpected exits……

2009-10

Holyhead Hotspur 1 Newtown 1 (Hotspur won 4-3 on penalties)
A famous day in round two for Cymru Alliance side Holyhead back in October 2009.
For Hotspur manager Mark “Evsey” Williams it was an amazing outcome in his first game in charge – at the expense of the club he used to play for in the League of Wales.
Obi Anoruo put the Robins in front in the 54th minute, but Curt Williams headed in from a Dean Garmey corner 60 seconds later.
Jonathan Newell of Hotspur and Anoruo were both dismissed before it went to penalties.
The hero of the day then emerged in Holyhead keeper Mike Doutch. First, the stopper saved Neil Mitchell’s penalty, then he converted the winning kick himself.

2010-11

Newtown 1 Bridgend Town 2
Robbie Waters’ late strike sent Bridgend into the last 16 of the Welsh Cup as Newtown slumped again against lower league opposition.
Despite playing a league below their Welsh Premier hosts, Welsh League Division One Town deservedly took an interval lead through Richard Ryan’s 27th-minute opener.
The Robins looked a different proposition in the second half and were back on terms after 53 when Marc Lloyd Williams crashed home from a tight angle.
The hosts were stunned two minutes from time as Waters slotted in from a right-wing cross to spark the visiting celebrations in this round three upset.

2011-12

Newtown 1 Rhyl 2
For the third season running, the Robins exited the cup to a team from a league below.
This time it was Cymru Alliance title hopefuls Rhyl who did the damage. The Lilywhites had only lost their Welsh Premier status the previous season due to financial problems.
Rhyl looked on course to progress in 90 minutes, after taking the lead through Mike Pritchard, but Matty Cook (90+4) gave the Robins a lifeline.
It was to no avail, however, as the visitors netted in the dying seconds of added time, Jason Oswell, on loan from Crewe and a future Newtown star, their goal hero.

2013-14

Holywell Town 3 Newtown 2
Tier 3 Welsh Alliance Holywell celebrated a stunning upset over Welsh Premier League outfit Newtown at Halkyn Road in this round four mud bath.
Paul Williams, Sam Jones and Steve Thomas scored the goals which put the Wellmen three-up at half time.
Tom Goodwin and Matthew Hearsey replied for the Robins in the second period, but Town held on for a famous win.
John Haseldin’s side went on to create history by becoming the first tier-three club ever to reach the Welsh Cup semi-finals, the Wellmen’s fairytale run ending with a 3-1 loss to Aberystwyth Town.

2018-19

Newtown 1 Rhyl 2
Huws Gray Alliance Rhyl proved again they are Welsh Cup specialists as they triumphed 2-1 at Welsh Premier hosts Newtown in this third round encounter.
Second half goals from Gareth Partridge and Aaron Hassall completed a comeback win for the Lilywhites. Neil Mitchell had put Newtown ahead after 22 minutes.

2021-22

Newtown 1-1 Carmarthen Town (Carmarthen won 5-3 pens)
Cymru South side Carmarthen became the latest giant-killer to heap Welsh Cup misery on Newtown two seasons ago.
Dion Phillips put the Old Gold in front before Aaron Williams levelled from the penalty spot for the Robins in this round three tussle.
However, it went to spot-kicks and Town prevailed.

EPILOG

So from those results above, Y Felinheli will be far from no-hopers when they greet Newtown at Cae Seilo in October.
Let’s hope that whatever happens, the tier 3 club has a great day. More on this tie in the days to come.