Competitive football starts for some this weekend locally with the return of the JD Welsh Cup, writes Paul Worts.
Brecon Corries, Brecon FC, Builth Wells, Knighton Town, Llandrindod Wells, Presteigne St Andrews and Rhayader Town all feature in first qualifying round ties this weekend.
Both Brecon sides have been drawn at home in the Welsh Cup with Brecon Corries welcoming Caerleon to The Rich Field while Brecon FC host Machynlleth. Corries, who have been promoted to the Arda League South East warmed up with a 3-1 win against Seven Sisters on Saturday with two goals from Craig Evans and one from brother, Joel.
There will be some winners and some losers on Saturday and Llandrindod Wells and Rhayader Town will be aiming to progress against teams from Tier Three. Both have been moved laterally from the Ardal league South East to the Ardal league North East this season.
Llandrindod, who achieved a top half finish in the Ardal League South East last season, welcome Four Crosses to The Broadway keen to get off to a good start.
But the Spa men will be without the influential Jack Evans who has been snapped up by Abergavenny Town and made his debut for his new club in the MG Nathaniel Cup on Friday night.
Rhayader Town visit Penparcau who have withdrawn from the Ardal League despite holding their own last term. That tie takes place on Friday night at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue.
The Red Kites have been hampered by the the loss of strikers, Jamie Evans and Tommy Rowlands who were two of their stand out performers last term. Rowlands has joined Tier Two side, Llanidloes Town, Evans has moved to local rivals, Builth Wells while Ryan Rowlands has signed for Caersws who Rhayader are due to face on the opening day of the Ardal League season.
Rhayader have signed former Caersws and Llanidloes Town defender, Phil Jones, who was with Machynlleth last season and are expected to make several more additions to their squad before Friday night’s Cup tie.
Penparcau’s decision to step dowm has seen them lose Liam Lewis, Jordan Perry and goalkeeper, Lewis James to Penrhyncoch but they have signed experienced duo, Elwyn Edwards and Dan James from Aberaeron.
Builth Wells face a long trip to Ardal League North East rivals, Dolgellau while Presteigne St Andrews begin a new era under manager, Corin Jones at home against Trefonen, from the Montgomery Amateur League.
The former Knighton Town defender is calling for commitment from his players who will compete in the MMP Central Wales League (South) this season. Jones is expected to field a number of new signings as are Knighton Town. who are away at Berriew, who are much changed from last season having lost a raft of players during the summer leading to their withdrawal from the Ardal league.