Welsh Cup round 3 previews – how many North Wales clubs can reach last 16?

Welsh Cup weekend for both the men and women is upon us.

The men’s competition is at the last 32 stage and there are a number of North Wales clubs still involved eyeing a place in round four.

Here’s a preview of the ties involving northern clubs.

FAW WELSH CUP ROUND 3 – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 (2 pm)

Aberystwyth Town v Bala Town

An all-Cymru Premier tie which strongly hints at 0-0 and a penalties contest.

Having said that, it will probably end up a 4-3 classic.

Bala probably favourites, but Aber have shown an ability to win tough games recently at Barry Town United and Penybont.

Airbus UK Broughton v Briton Ferry Llansawel

Good battle in store between the second placed sides in the Tier 2 Cymru North and Cymru South respectively.

With home advantage, this could be Airbus’ day.

Bangor 1876 v Flint Town United

A fine tie in prospect between two Cymru North sides.

Bangor’s home form has been suspect this season, although they did whip Cefn Albion 7-1 at Nantporth in the last round.

Flint are unbeaten in the league and recorded a very impressive 3-0 win at Denbigh Town in round two of the Welsh Cup. An away win looks a tidy bet.

Caerau Ely v Gresford Athletic

Tricky test for Gresford as they travel to fellow Tier 2 side Caerau Ely of Cymru South, 4-0 conquerors of Afan Lido in the last round.

Gresford had a good run to round four last season, pulling off a fantastic 2-0 win at Barry Town United on the way, and Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side must have a decent chance at Cwrt yr Ala Road.

Cardiff Met v Mold Alexandra

Major assignment for Mold as they make the long journey to Cardiff to face the Cymru Premier students.

Alex are having an excellent season in the Cymru North, currently lying fourth and had won nine on the bounce before suffering a last gasp 3-2 defeat at Denbigh Town a week ago.

Flint Mountain v Canton

Having knocked out Cymru North leaders Holywell Town in the last round, Flint Mountain have nothing to fear when fellow Tier 3 side from Ardal South West Canton visit the Essity.

The Cardiff travellers are currently 12th in their 16-team division.

Llanuwchllyn v Buckley Town

Unbeaten in 13 matches and yet to lose in the Tier 3 Ardal North East this term, Llanuwchllyn must have more than a decent shout of getting past the challenge of Buckley Town, fourth bottom in the Cymru North.

Newtown v Colwyn Bay

A winnable game for the Bay at Latham Park against a Newtown side who have often been victims of an upset in this competition.

The Robins are shaping well in the Cymru Premier, though, currently in fourth place while Steve Evans’ Colwyn Bay lie at the basement.

Bay lost 4-2 at home to Newtown in the league in September, but the Seagulls cannot be counted out.

Porthmadog v Cardiff Airport

Must be a good opportunity for Cymru North Porthmadog to progress at the expense of Tier 4 Cardiff Airport from the South Wales Alliance Premier Division.

However, the capital outfit have already knocked out a Tier 2 side on their travels in the 2023-24 Welsh Cup, albeit Cymru South bottom team Abergavenny Town.

Port, who edged past Chirk AAA on penalties in round two, will no doubt be on their guard and committed to going all out to prevent another upset.

The JD Welsh Cup Round 4 draw will be broadcast on RedWall+ at 8pm on Friday 17 November.