You should look no further than current holder’s TNS and Bala Town to advance through to the JD Sports Welsh Cup final this weekend writes Matthew Burgess.
On paper at least the Saints – who’ve been Welsh Cup winners for the last three seasons – have the toughest test as they will need to overcome Welsh Premier rivals Connah’s Quay at Bangor City’s Bangor University Stadium.
There’s been a real sense in recent weeks that the Nomads are finally maturing into the top-band side which they’ve threatened to become under Andy Morrison, and there’s little doubt that the recent 2-1 victory over TNS will feature heavily in the Deesiders preparations for this game.
Connah’s Quay can be an opportunistic threat to TNS – who, simply put, will be too strong for the Nomads if they are at their best – but the Saints’ desire and focus to win trophies should not be underestimated.
The Nomads’ best chance of reaching the final is likely to be if TNS fail to hit top-gear or if some big decision can go against them. Andy Morrison’s squad are dangerous enough to grow into this game and they will take confidence from their solid form in Phase 2.
Craig Harrison has opted to gradually rotate his squad since wrapping up the league championship last month but I would expect him to select a side with more emphasis based on the old football cliche of being ‘tried and tested’ rather than those seeking match sharpness and experience as they bid to complete the domestic treble.
In the second semi-final tie Bala Town have the opportunity to reach the final for the first time in their history – somewhat surprising considering their ascendancy to the higher reaches of the Welsh pyramid.
The rise of the ever-modest Lakesiders should be an inspiration to any club in the lower reaches of the Welsh system and despite some fine European adventures in recent years, a Welsh Cup trophy would well and truly cement their place in modern Welsh football history.
This year’s Welsh Cup looks to have stirred Caernarfon Town from it’s Cymru Alliance slumber and the Cofis – also looking for their first ever final appearance – stand between Bala and history.
The talk amongst the Cofis is that this is club’s biggest game since their last semi-final appearance back in 1988 and they will be expected to make the trip across the A55 to Rhyl in numbers in order to help drive their side on.
Manager Iwan Williams has seen his side’s stock grow during a cup run which has already seen Caernarfon eliminate Welsh Premier opposition in Carmarthen and Rhyl but they will be facing a Bala side who’re in very good shape.
Caernarfon will be certain to rise to the occasion in front of a crowd who will absolutely believe they can progress but Bala Town are ending the season particularly strongly and should have the character and strength-in-depth to avoid any upset.
JD Sports Welsh Cup semi-finals
TNS v gap Connah’s Quay (at Bangor City), Saturday 2.30
Caernarfon Town v Bala Town (at Rhyl FC), Saturday 5.15 (live on S4C)