MYNYDD ISA are eyeing up a cup scalp tomorrow with visitors Brickfield Rangers on their hit-list.
“We are expecting a tough test as we welcome Brickfield to the Argoed,” said Isa’s head of football James Hollyoak.
“We know we will have to play at a very high level to get through but we go in full of confidence after a positive pre-season.
“We have strengthened our squad over the summer with some very exciting signings.
“Dylan Roberts has joined from Buckley where he spent the last eight years and was regarded as one of the best left backs in the league. This is a real coup for the club.
“Harry Massey has joined us from Conwy Borough and brings real leadership and quality to our defence after captaining Conwy while Nathan Mendoza joins us from Caerwys.
“Nath has tier two experience with Mold Alex and has already shown why he had a lot of clubs chasing his signature.
“Tom Gunson also joins us from Caerwys. He is a strong centre forward with bags of ability and has already shown that over pre-season by contributing with goals and assists.”
Brickfield boss Gareth Wilson has also been busy with former Mold Alex centre back Steve Watkins his stellar signing.
Watkins returns to Rangers as player-coach while Lewis Clamp, Callum Roberts, Leroy Ngema, Jake Barlow and Ben Dawson are the other new arrivals.
“We have signed several players and have also retained everyone from last season except for Ellis Hickey,” said Wilson.
“Competition is extremely high with everyone raring to go in what has been a good pre-season with excellent performances against very good opposition.”
As for tomorrow’s test, Wilson added: “Mynydd Isa are a decent side and beat us in pre-season last year.
“We are looking forward to the tie and to get the competitive season underway.”
Gareth Jones has lost none of his Rhos Aelwyd squad as they prepare for the visit of Gwalchmai.
“We’ve got a really close knit squad who have learnt from last season,” said Jones. “I am delighted to welcome back Callum Smith who will be a force in our attacking ranks.
“I’m really looking forward to blooding some of new under 19s - both Harley Davies and Morgan Jones will be a huge part in our campaign next season and at only 16, the future at Rhos is bright.
“As for the Welsh Cup, I want us to compete and progress as far as we can.”
Lex XI are at home to Corwen while FC Plas Madoc head to mid-Wales to play Berriew.
Heading in the opposite direction are Rhostyllen’s visitors, Four Crosses.
“We can’t really prepare as well as we’d like for Four Crosses as we don’t know much about them,” said boss Dan Richards.
“No doubt it will be another tough test, hopefully the lads can put in a performance and secure a place in the next round.”
Cefn Albion boss Ian Andrew was crying out for a home tie but he didn’t get one.
“What a lovely start - a long trip down to Knighton Town!” said Andrews.
“We’ve been busy assembling a good squad to improve on last season’s.
“We’ve managed to keep 90 per cent of the squad and have signed Dion Gibbins back from Denbigh and Callum Mannion from Gresford and we’re still hoping to bring another couple (in).”
Llangollen Town and FC Queen’s Park also have home ties against Holywell United and Nantlle Vale respectively.
Llan have brought in Louie Middlehurst from Chirk, Richard Griffiths from Ruabon and Jacque Coates from Rhostyllen.
“It’s always nice to have a home tie,” said Llan manager Luke Maybury. “The lads are chomping at the bit to get started.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here