Nathaniel MG Cup second round preview

JD Cymru Premier clubs get their 2022/23 campaigns under way in the Nathaniel MG Cup second round this weekend.

The defending Nathaniel MG Cup champions Connah's Quay Nomads take on the 2021/22 JD Cymru Premier champions The New Saints in a standout fixture in the northern section. The tie will see Craig Harrison, who returned to Park Hall on Tuesday, go up against the club he recently departed, with new Nomads boss Neil Gibson overseeing his first game in charge. 

Another all-JD Cymru Premier clash sees Cardiff Met welcome Newtown, fresh off the back of their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign, to Cyncoed Campus. Former Met assistant Anthony Williams will take charge of his first competitive match as manager of Aberystwyth Town as they take on Mid-Wales rivals Llanidloes Town at Park Avenue.

Caersws - the only remaining wildcard left in the competition - will look to cause another upset against Holywell Town following their dramatic shootout win over Prestatyn Town in the first round. The Lock Stock Ardal North East club are yet to kick off their league campaign but Mark Griffiths' side will already be delighted to have overcome higher division opposition.

Taffs Well will look for their fourth straight win of the campaign against Trefelin BGC following their convincing 4-1 victory over Ynyshir Albions in the opening round, while they have also overcome Cwmbran Celtic and Trefelin in the JD Cymru South.

Buckley Town are the other side in the competition also in search of a fourth straight win following their 2-0 victory over Penrhyncoch in the first round. The Bucks have also put together back-to-back JD Cymru North victories against Chirk AAA and Prestatyn Town.

Newly-appointed Flint Town United boss Lee Fowler will oversee his first game in the Silkmen's dugout as the JD Cymru Premier club make the trip to Colwyn Bay.

While Barry Town United and Cefn Druids received byes into the second round and start their Nathaniel MG Cup campaigns against Haverfordwest County and Buckley Town respectively.

Elsewhere in the southern section, Pontypridd United host Carmarthen Town, Cwmbran Celtic travel to Afan Lido, and Ammanford welcome Swansea University.

While Holyhead Hotspur take on Caernarfon Town, Airbus UK Broughton make the trip to Gresford Athletic, Guilsfield welcome Ruthin Town and Chirk AAA host Bala Town in the northern section.

NORTHERN SECTION

Cefn Druids v Buckley Town
Caersws v Holywell Town
Colwyn Bay v Flint Town United
Holyhead Hotspur v Caernarfon Town
Gresford Athletic v Airbus UK Broughton
Guilsfield v Ruthin Town
Connah's Quay Nomads v The New Saints
Chirk AAA v Bala Town

SOUTHERN SECTION

Aberystwyth Town v Llanidloes Town
Pontypridd United v Carmarthen Town
Afan Lido v Cwmbran Celtic
Trefelin BGC v Taffs Well
Ammanford v Swansea University
Haverfordwest County v Barry Town United
Cardiff Met v Newtown