CONNAH's QUAY NOMADS V BANGOR CITY NEWTOWN FC V ABERYSTWYTH TOWN

CONNAH'S QUAY NOMADS NEWTOWN FC v v BANGOR CITY ABERYSTWYTH TOWN

07.04.18 KO 19.35 08.04.18 KO 12.00 CORBETT SPORTS STADIUM, RHYL MAES TEGID, BALA

JD WELSH CUP SEMI FINALS JD WELSH CUP SEMI FINALS ROWND GYNDERFYNOL JD CWPAN CYMRU ROWND GYNDERFYNOL JD CWPAN CYMRU DAVID

GRIFFITHSPRESIDENT, FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES LLYWYDD, CYMDEITHAS BÊL DROED CYMRU

WELCOME CROESO FOLLOW I wish you all a warm welcome to the JD Hoffwn ddymuno croeso cynnes iawn i Welsh Cup Semi-Finals as Newtown take on Rowndiau Cynderfynol Cwpan JD Cymru wrth i’r Aberystwyth Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads Drenewydd wynebu Aberystwyth a Nomadiaid JD FOOTBALL meet Bangor City. Cei Connah i wynebu Bangor. FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bala Town Hoffwn fanteisio ar y cyfle hwn i ddiolch i’r Bala and Rhyl for hosting the semi-finals, which I’m ac i Rhyl am gynnal y rowndiau cynderfynol. sure are set to be enthralling encounters as the Dwi’n siwr bydd dwy frwydr ddifyr iawn o’n blaen four teams battle for the two final spots in the wrth i’r pedwar tîm ymladd am ddau le olaf y competition. gystadleuaeth. As always, I’m also incredibly grateful to JD Fel arfer, rydw i’n hynod ddiolchgar i JD Sports Sports for their continued support of the am eu cefnogaeth barhaus i’r gêm ddomestig domestic game here in Wales and their yma yng Nghymru a’u nawdd o Gwpan Cymru. sponsorship of the Welsh Cup. Mae cystadleuaeth Cwpan JD Cymru’r tymor This season’s JD Welsh Cup competition has hwn wedi bod yn un o’r goreuon ers sawl been one of the best in recent times, with the blwyddyn, gyda rhediad anhygoel Penydarren incredible run of South Wales Alliance League BGC o Gynghrair Alliance De Cymru yn atgof outfit Penydarren BGC being the stand-out fydd yn aros yn y cof ac yn siwr o ysbrydoli clybiau memory that is sure to inspire other clubs at the o lefelau is y pyramid i ymgeisio’r tymor nesaf. lower levels of the pyramid to enter next season. Hoffwn ddymuno’r gorau i’r pedwar clwb sy’n I’d like to wish all four clubs involved in this cymryd rhan yn Rowndiau Cynderfynol Cwpan weekend’s JD Welsh Cup Semi-Finals the very JD Cymru’r penwythnos hwn. @JDFootball /JDFootballOfficial /JDFootball JDFootballSnaps /JDFootball JDFootball best of luck. Pob hwyl. All the best.

EXCLUSIVE RETAIL PARTNER JDFOOTBALL.CO.UK www.faw.cymru 3

JD_FBALL_WELSH_FA_PROG_AD_A4_SEPT.indd 1 23/09/2015 11:07 SHOULD BE APPLAUDED FOR RECOGNISING THE NEED FOR PROGRESSION WRITES ANDREW HOWARD, FAW HEAD OF COMPETITIONS

As we approach the business end of the meet the criteria, will play in the four regional meeting and since Council adopted the new following the restructure and sponsorship season, it’s satisfying to see the progress leagues at Tier 3 of the FAW pyramid. FAW Pyramid Regulations 2020-21 at its of the League and for clubs has increased that the FAW has again made over the last December Council meeting. annually since. The viewing figures for both Clubs playing at Tier 4 and below will be 12 months. There is no doubt that the television and social media are also on an managed by Leagues affiliated to the Area The Competitions Department staff have key moments in 2016 and 2017 were the increasing plateau and the FAW is hoping to Associations from that season onwards. been working closely with our lawyers on the European Championships and hosting the renegotiate its television rights deal for a Rules and Regulations, the FAW Commercial UEFA Champions League Final respectively. This will mean that the FAW League further four years soon. team has been working hard on a new brand But in my view, it’s the domestic game that structure will contain 108 clubs, playing at 3 for the Tier 2 Leagues and the Media team Performances in Europe have improved, takes centre stage in the 2018 school report, Tiers of the Pyramid. are designing the new media channels that and the technical experts will confirm that following the FAW Council’s vision of the new Compared to our neighbours; Republic will engage supporters of the new League the standard of the players and managers Pyramid structure, which kicks in, in little of Ireland (22), Northern Ireland (36) and from 2019. improves year on year too. more than 14 months’ time. Scotland (42); this is still a very large number, This restructure marks the most significant It is of course my hope, that the pyramid The Pyramid restructure will be implemented but the FAW sub-committee who have development to the pyramid since the restructure will see similar success stories in two phases; The start of the 2019/20 worked tirelessly for over four years on implementation of the Tier 1 Club Licence for Leagues and Clubs participating in Tiers season will see the new Tier 2 Championship this project have devised the structure, (formerly the FAW Domestic Licence) and the 2 and 3 in the future. structure, which will see the FAW be which aims to provide a framework of restructure of the National League to 12 clubs. directly responsible for the ownership, competitive men’s football appropriate to The FAW Council should be applauded for management, finance and administration of their playing standards, ground facilities and The JD Welsh Premier League should not recognising the need for progression and to the Championship North and Championship economic means and permits the seasonal be judged on stadium attendances alone raise standards within our domestic game. South Leagues, which will replace the Huws movements of clubs between the leagues in and although we would have hoped for larger This is in line with the key FAW strategic Gray Alliance and the Welsh Football League an orderly manner – the very essence of the increases since the change, the commercial objective of stronger and more sustainable Division 1. FAW Pyramid Regulations. and broadcast success of the League is clubs and I am sure that this significant and evident. excellent piece of work will be the catalyst The following season, 2020/21 marks the The FAW staff have worked very diligently for just that. implementation of the new, mandatory Tier following the FAW Council approved of The FAW signed its first monetary television 3 Ground Criteria and the top 64 clubs who the pyramid re-structure in its October rights deal for the Welsh Premier League

4 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 5 CYNGOR CBDC YN HAEDDU CLOD AM GYDNABOD YR ANGEN AM SYMUD YMLAEN ANDREW HOWARD, PENNAETH CYSTADLAETHAU CBDC

Wrth i’r tymor hwn brysur ddirwyn i ben, chwarae yn y 4 cynghreiriau rhanbarthol yn Ers hynny mae’r cyngor wedi cadarnhau Cymru yn dilyn yr ailstrwythuro ac mae mae’n braf gweld y gwelliannau mae CBDC Haen 3 o Byramid CBDC. Rheoliadau Pyramid 2020/21 yn eu cyfarfod nawdd ar gyfer y Gynghrair wedi cynyddu’n wedi’i wneud dros y 12 mis diwethaf. Heb ym mis Rhagfyr. flynyddol ers hynny. Bydd clybiau sy’n chwarae’n Haen 4 ac is yn os roedd digwyddiadau arwyddocaol yn cael eu rheoli gan y Cynghreiriau sydd yn Mae’r Adran Cystadlaethau wedi bod yn Mae’r ffigyrau gwylio ar gyfer teledu a 2016 a 2017 megis Pencampwriaeth yr gysylltiedig â’r Cymdeithasau Rhanbarthol gweithio’n agos gydag ein cyfreithwyr chyfryngau cymdeithasol bellach yn cynyddu Ewros a chynnal Rownd Derfynol Cynghrair o’r tymor hwnnw ymlaen. ar y Rheolau a’r Rheoliadau tra bod tîm hefyd ac mae CBDC yn gobeithio ail-drafod Pencampwyr UEFA. Ond yn fy marn i, y Masnachol CBDC wedi bod yn gweithio’n yr hawliau teledu am bedair blynedd arall. gêm ddomestig sy’n hoelio’r sylw yn 2018, Mae hyn yn golygu y bydd strwythur galed ar frand newydd ar gyfer y yn dilyn gweledigaeth Cyngor CBDC o Cynghrair CBDC yn cynnwys 108 o glybiau, Mae perfformiadau’n Ewrop wedi gwella a Cynghreiriau Haen 2 ac adran y Cyfryngau’n strwythur y Pyramid newydd fydd yn dod i yn chwarae mewn 3 Haen o’r Pyramid. bydd arbenigwyr technegol yn cadarnhau fod brysur ddylunio ein sianeli cyfryngau newydd rym mewn ychydig dros 14 mis. safon y chwaraewyr a’r rheolwyr yn gwella’n O’i gymharu â’n cymdogion; Gweriniaeth i ymgysylltu â chefnogwyr o’r Gynghrair flynyddol hefyd. Bydd ailstrwythuro’r Pyramid yn cael ei Iwerddon (22), Gogledd Iwerddon (36) a’r newydd yn 2019. weithredu mewn dau gymal; Bydd strwythur Alban (42); mae’r nifer hyn yn parhau’n Fy ngobaith i, wrth gwrs, yw y bydd Mae’r ailstrwythuro’n nodi’r datblygiad newydd Haen 2 y Bencampwriaeth yn uchel. Dros y bedair blynedd diwethaf mae ailstrwythuro’r pyramid yn gweld cystal mwyaf arwyddocaol i’r pyramid ers dod i rym ddechrau tymor 2019/20, fydd is-bwyllgor CBDC wedi gweithio’n ddiflino llwyddiant ar gyfer y Cynghreiriau a’r Clybiau gweithredu’r Drwydded Clwb Haen 1 (cyn yn golygu mai CBDC fydd yn gyfrifol ar y prosiect i ddyfeisio’r strwythur yma, yn Haen 2 a 3 yn y dyfodol. hynny’r Drwydded Ddomestig CBDC) ac am berchnogaeth, rheolaeth, ariannu a strwythur fydd yn rhoi fframwaith i bêl- ailstrwythuro’r Cynghrair Cenedlaethol i Mae Cyngor CBDC yn haeddu clod am gweinyddu Cynghreiriau Pencampwriaeth y droed cystadleuol dynion sydd yn addas i’w ddeuddeg o glybiau. gydnabod yr angen i ddatblygu ac i godi’r Gogledd a Phencampwriaeth y De. Dyma’r safonau chwarae, adnoddau’r caeau a’r gallu safonau o fewn ein gêm ddomestig. Mae hyn ddwy gynghrair fydd yn cymryd lle’r Huws economaidd i alluogi symudiadau tymhorol Ni ddylai Uwch Gynghrair JD Cymru gael ei yn unol â phrif nod strategol CBDC o glybiau Gray Alliance a Haen 1 Cynghrair Cymru. rhwng y cynghreiriau – Rheoliadau Pyramid farnu ar niferoedd y dorf yn unig er ein bod wedi cryfach a chynaliadwy a dwi’n siwr bydd y CBDC yn ei hanfod. gobeithio am fwy o gynnydd ers y newid – mae’r Yn ystod y flwyddyn wedyn, tymor 2020/21, darn o waith arbennig yma’n gatalydd ar llwyddiant masnachol a darlledu’n amlwg. bydd y Safonau Caeau Haen 3 yn dod i rym Mae staff CBDC wedi gweithio’n ddiwyd ers gyfer hynny. gyda’r 64 clwb sy’n cyrraedd y meini prawf yn i Gyngor CBDC gymeradwyo ailstrwythuro’r Arwyddodd CBDC cytundeb ar gyfer hawliau pyramid yn eu cyfarfod ym mis Hydref. teledu ariannol ar gyfer Uwch Gynghrair

6 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 7 ".....SO WE JUST HAD TO GO OUT THERE AND PROVE WHY WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS AND WHY WE'VE GOT SO MUCH FAITH IN THE SQUAD AND TEAM."

Wilde was a key member of The New Saints a great reaction and as bad as we were in the until he made the switch to Connah's Quay first half we were good in the second.” Nomads in the summer of 2016, and while Wilde is currently the top goalscorer for the he enjoyed domestic success over two spells Nomads this season, and it was his tenth with the Welsh Premier League champions, goal of the campaign against Bala Town few celebrations have matched the late recently that handed The New Saints the winning goal that completed an unlikely Welsh Premier League title. turnaround. Ironically still helping his former club achieve Two goals from Chris Venables within the domestic success, Wilde's focus will now opening 12 minutes of the final stunned be very much on making more Welsh Cup the Saints in what would prove to be a history with the Nomads this season, a club fascinating contest. that have never lifted the trophy. Holding on to their two-goal advantage with less than 20 minutes remaining, substitute striker Greg Draper reduced the deficit on 73 minutes from the penalty spot. With the momentum in their favour, Draper scored NOMADS the equaliser a few minutes later, and as the game headed into the final stages, extra- time seemed inevitable. Aberystwyth Town's only success in the competition had come way back in 1900, and as manager Ian Hughes prepared for the additional 30 minutes, the game swung in favour of the Saints as Wilde volleyed the winning goal past goalkeeper Mike Lewis. MICHAEL WILDE CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF We put ourselves in a tough position half THE MOST PROLIFIC STRIKERS IN THE HISTORY " time, OF THE JD WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE, BUT ” said Saints manager Craig Harrison We didn't play well, ONE OF HIS MOST MEMORABLE HEADLINE after the match. “ Aberystwyth were the better team and started MOMENTS CAME BACK IN 2014 WHEN HE well so we just had to go out there and prove SCORED THE DECIDING GOAL FOR THE NEW why we are the champions and why we've got SAINTS AGAINST ABERYSTWYTH TOWN IN THE so much faith in the squad and team. We had WELSH CUP FINAL AT THE RACECOURSE.

8 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 9 ".....FELLY ROEDDWN NI RAID DIHUNO A DANGOS PAM TAW NI YW PENCAMPWYR YR UWCH CYNGHRAIR."

Roedd Wilde yn rhan allweddol o dîm y Wilde yw prif sgoriwr Cei Connah tymor hyn Seintiau Newydd cyn iddo symud draw i Gei a’i ddegfed gôl tymor hyn, yn erbyn Y Bala, Connah yn 2016. Er iddo fwynhau cyfnod oedd wedi sicrhau taw’r Seintiau Newydd llwyddiannus yn y cynghrair gyda’r Seintiau, bydd pencampwyr y cynghrair unwaith eto, roedd ei dathliadau wrth iddo sgorio'r gôl bach yn eironig. Serch hynny, fe fydd Wilde fuddugol wedi dod ar ôl gêm hynod gyffrous. yn canolbwyntio ar ennill Cwpan Cymru gyda Chei Connah tymor hyn a sicrhau bod y clwb Dechreuodd y Saint o dan bwysau wrth i yn ennill y gystadleuaeth am y tro gyntaf yn Chris Venables sgorio dwy gôl yn y 12 munud ei hanes. agoriadol. Gyda 20 munud ar ôl sgoriodd yr eilydd Greg Draper o’r smotyn i ddechrau troi’r momentwm tuag at Y Seintiau Newydd. Ychydig o funudau wedyn, sgoriodd Draper unwaith eto a gyda’r gêm yn cyrraedd y munudau olaf, roedd hi’n edrych fel bydd angen amser ychwanegol. CEI CONNAH Dim ond unwaith mae Aberystwyth wedi codi’r cwpan- nol yn 1900 ac wrth i’w rheolwr Ian Hughes dechrau paratoi am 30 munud ychwanegol, torrodd Michael Wilde calonnau’r tîm o Orllewin Cymru trwy yrru foli heibio’r gôl-geidwad Mike Lewis. “Roedd hi’n hanner gyntaf anodd.” Yn ôl rheolwr Y Seintiau Newydd Craig Harrison MAE MICHAEL WILDE WEDI GOSOD EI MARC ar ôl y gêm. “Roeddwn ni heb chwarae’n rhy FEL UN O YMOSODWYR GORAU I FYNYCHU’R dda, roedd Aberystwyth yn well tîm i ddechrau UWCH CYNGHRAIR JD CYMRU, OND FE felly roeddwn ni raid dihuno a dangos pam taw DDAETH UN O’I GOLIAU PWYSICAF NOL YN ni yw pencampwyr yr uwch cynghrair. Roedd 2014 YN Y CAE RAS WRTH IDDO SGORIO’R GÔL yr ymateb o’r chwaraewyr yn wych yn yr ail FUDDUGOL I’R SEINTIAU NEWYDD YN ERBYN hanner.” ABERYSTWYTH YN YSTOD ROWND DERFYNOL CWPAN CYMRU'R FLWYDDYN HYNNY.

10 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 11 Winning the trophy in 2008, 2009 and 2010, A 2-1 win over Bridgend Town in the semi- Bangor City did not lose a Welsh Cup match final confirmed that they would head to between their opening 3rd round match of Parc-y-Scarlets to defend the cup against the 2007/08 campaign, until the 2011 final Aberystwyth Town. Goals from Les Davies when they were denied a fourth consecutive and Seargeant either side of half-time trophy by Llanelli. proved to be the difference between the two BANGOR CITY teams, and complete back-to-back Welsh It was a cup run that defined an era of Cup success for the Citizens. success at the club, and one that culminated THE WELSH with the Welsh Premier League title in Victories over Flint Town United, Aberaman 2010/11. Athletic, Llanelli and Prestatyn Town the following season ensured that the side The run started back in November 2007, but would return to Llanelli for the 2010 final, CUP TREBLE the side needed extra-time to see off the where Mark Jones' Port Talbot Town would challenge of Caersws in the 3rd round, and compete in the final of the competition for subsequently against Aberystwyth Town in the first time. the next round. Early goals from Lee Hunt and Jamie Reed Victories over lower league Guilsfield and handed Bangor City a great start, but Port Newport YMCA booked Bangor City's place Talbot Town came back through Drew Fahiya in the Welsh Cup final that would take place and Liam McCreesh as the game headed at Newtown's Latham Park against Llanelli. into the final moments. In injury-time, Dave Christian Seargeant scored a late equaliser Morley scored as Bangor City edged the to take the game to extra-time, where goals match 3-2, and with it completed a famous from Marc Limbert and Karl Noon ensured Welsh Cup treble. the club would lift the trophy for the first time since 2000. Garden Village, rivals Rhyl and Airbus UK Broughton were eliminated from the WINNING THE TROPHY competition by Bangor City as Powell and his side looked to retain their trophy the IN 2008, 2009 AND following year. 2010, BANGOR CITY DID NOT LOSE A WELSH CUP MATCH... UNTIL THE 2011 FINAL WHEN THEY WERE DENIED A FOURTH

IT WAS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF NEV POWELL THAT BANGOR CITY PRODUCED CONSECTUTIVE ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE WELSH CUP RUNS IN RECENT HISTORY. TROPHY BY LLANELLI

12 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 13 Wrth ennill y tlws yn 2008, 2009 a 2010, roedd Bangor heb golli un gêm yn y CPD DINAS gystadleuaeth am dros dair blynedd nes y rownd derfynol yn 2011 pan gollon nhw yn erbyn Llanelli. Roedd hi’n rhediad a oedd BANGOR yn rhan o amser llwyddiannus yn y clwb, wrth i Fangor hefyd ennill y cynghrair yn 2010/2011. TAIR MLYNEDD O Dechreuodd ei llwyddiant yn y cwpan ym mis Tachwedd 2007, ond roedd rhaid i’r gêm trydedd rownd yn erbyn Caersws mynd i FUDDUGOLIAETH amser ychwanegol, yn ogystal â’r gêm yn y rownd nesaf yn erbyn Aberystwyth. Ar ôl curo Guilsfield a Newport YMCA, roedden nhw am gwrdd Llanelli yn y rownd derfynol ym Mharc Latham, Drenewydd. Sgoriodd Christian Seargeant yn y munudau terfynol i ddanfon y gêm mewn i amser ychwanegol, Er mwyn cyrraedd y rownd derfynol yn 2009, lle wnaeth Bangor sicrhau buddugoliaeth yn roedd rhaid i Fangor wynebu Garden Village, y rownd derfynol am y tro gyntaf ers 2000 Rhyl ac Airbus cyn curo Penybont 2-1 yn y wrth i Marc Limbert a Karl Noon sgorio. rownd gynderfynol. Gyda’r rownd derfynol ym Mharc y Scarlets yn erbyn Aberystwyth, roedd goliau Les Davies a Christian Seargeant wedi sicrhau fe fydd y cwpan yn aros yng ngogledd Cymru. WRTH ENNILL Y TLWS Yn 2010 roedd rhaid i Fangor wynebu Port YN 2008, 2009 A 2010, Talbot yn y rownd derfynol, ar ôl curo Fflint, Aberaman, Llanelli a Prestatyn. Gyda’r ROEDD BANGOR HEB rownd derfynol yn Llanelli unwaith eto, GOLLI UN GÊM YN Y dechreuodd Bangor yn gryf wrth i Lee Hunt a Jamie Reed sgorio, ond roedd ymateb yn GYSTADLEUAETH AM syth o Port Talbot wrth i Drew Fahiya a Liam DROS DAIR BLYNEDD McCreesh rhoi tîm Mark Jones nol ynddi. Yn yr amser ychwanegol, Dave Morley oedd yr O DAN REOLAETH NEV POWELL FE NES Y ROWND arwr i Fangor gyda’r gôl fuddugol a oedd wedi WNAETH CPD DINAS BANGOR CREU DERFYNOL YN 2011 sicrhau llwyddiant yn y gystadleuaeth am HANES YNG NGHWPAN CYMRU. dair blynedd yn olynol. PAN GOLLON NHW YN ERBYN LLANELLI.

14 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 15 CONNAH’S BANGOR NEWTOWN ABERYSTWYTH QUAY NOMADS CITY TOWN

1. JOHN DANBY (GK) 1. CONNOR ROBERTS (GK) 1. DAVID JONES (GK) 1. CHRIS MULLOCK (GK) 2. MIKE PEARSON 2. GETHIN THOMAS 2. JOE KENTON 2. DECLAN WALKER 3. KAI EDWARDS 3. TOM KENNEDY 3. RYAN SEARS 3. SAM KERSH 4. JONNY SPITTLE 4. LUKE WALL 5. KIERAN MILLS-EVANS 4. CRAIG ROGERS 5. GEORGE HORAN 5. ANTHONY MILEY 6. JAY DENNY 5. RYAN WOLLACOTT 6. DANNY HARRISON 7. GARY TAYLOR-FLETCHER 7. NEIL MITCHELL 6. TOM OWENS 7. RYAN WIGNALL 8. ALEX DARLINGTON 8. NICK RUSHTON 7. GEOFF KELLAWAY 8. CALLUM MORRIS 9. YVES ZAMA 9. LUKE BOUNDFORD 8. MALCOLM MELVIN 9. MICHAEL WILDE 10. DEAN RITTENBERG 10. JAMIE REED 9. CRAIG HOBSON 10. ANDY OWENS 12. GEORGE HARRY 12. JOLYON HARRIES 10. JOHN OWEN 11. NATHAN WOOLFE 13. MATTHEW HALL (GK) 13. JACK PERRY (GK) 11. LUKE BORRELLI 12. DECLAN POOLE 14. CAI OWEN 15. JAMIE PRICE 14. RYAN WADE 15. SEAN SMITH 15. DANNY HOLMES 17. CALLUM ROBERTS 15. KURT SHERLOCK 16. JAY OWEN 16. DANNY GOSSET 18. RYAN KERSHAW 17. MATTHEW JONES 18. JOE HEATH 17. JOEL BEMBO-LETA 19. T. CRAIG WILLIAMS 18. ASHLEY YOUNG 19. JAKE PHILLIPS 18. SAM JONES 20. TOM GOODWIN 19. DAMIAN ALLEN 20. RHYS WILLIAMS (GK) 19. LAURENCE WILSON 22. CRAIG WILLIAMS 20. JACK RIMMER 21. ROB HUGHES 23. BRAYDEN SHAW 23. ALEX FLETCHER 21. ADAM WALTERS (GK) 22. MICHAEL BAKARE 24. STEVEN HEWITT 25. WILL EVANS 22. HARRI HORWOOD 28. JON RUSHTON (GK) 28. GUTO WILLIAMS 26. ETHAN JONES 27. JOE PHILLIPS 30. SAM HALEY 30. PAUL CONNOLLY 34. JOE SULLIVAN 66. CONOR HARWOOD 76. SAM REYNOLDS

MANAGER: ANDY MORRISON MANAGER: KEVIN NICHOLSON MANAGER: CHRIS HUGHES MANAGER: SEAMUS HEATH

7 APRIL 2018 KO 19.35 8 APRIL 2018 KO 12.00 CORBETT SPORTS STADIUM, RHYL MAES TEGID, BALA REFEREE: DEAN JOHN REFEREE: LEE EVANS ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: DANIEL BECKETT ASSISTANT REFEREE 1: JOHN BRYANT ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: PHIL THOMAS ASSISTANT REFEREE 2: MARTIN ROBERTS 4TH OFFICIAL: MARK PETCH 4TH OFFICIAL: KEVIN PARRY

16 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 17 NEWTOWN

IT WAS BACK IN 1879 THAT NEWTOWN WHITE STARS LIFTED THE WELSH CUP WITH A 1-0 VICTORY OVER HOLDERS WREXHAM THROUGH A GOAL FROM E REES.

Around 2,500 people were in attendance at the Cricket Field in Oswestry to witness what was only the second final of the Despite reaching the final for a fourth time Generations of players took to the field at competition, and it proved to be a purple in 1888, a 5-0 win for Chirk AAA meant Latham Park over the course of the next period for the club as they appeared in a that Newtown would suffer Welsh Cup century, but it was not until current manager further five finals before the turn of the disappointment yet again. Chris Hughes took the reigns that the club century. would again feature in the Welsh Cup final. However, Newtown would get their hands Although their early years proved fruitful, on the trophy again in 1895 as a brace from Coming up against the daunting challenge of there would a 118-year gap between the W Pryce-Jones helped the side to a 3-2 win taking on holders The New Saints, Newtown club reaching their sixth final in 1897, and over Wrexham in front of an estimated crowd did at least have home advantage for the their seventh in 2015. of 5,000 people at Welshpool. But Wrexham final, but two goals from Matty Williams Following their first Welsh cup triumph would get revenge in 1897, as A Williams for the league champions meant that the in 1879, the club reached the final of the and E Robinson scored the goals that would current crop of Newtown players would face domestic showpiece again in 1881, but bring a fourth Welsh Cup final defeat for the same disappointment as those back in suffered a 2-0 reverse against the dominant Newtown within the first two decades of the 1897 did. Druids team of that era at the Racecourse in competition. Wrexham. An opportunity to avenge the defeat presented itself in 1886, but the Druids remained superior, and this time claimed a 4-0 victory.

18 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 19 buddugoliaeth o 5-0 i Chirk AAA yn golygu Dros y ganrif nesaf fe droediodd Y DRENEWYDD siom Cwpan Cymru unwaith yn rhagor. cenedlaethau o chwaraewyr ar gae Parc Latham ond dim ond nes i’r rheolwr Chris Serch hynny, byddai’r Drenewydd yn cael Hughes gymryd yr awenau fyddai’r clwb yn eu dwylo ar y tlws unwaith eto’n 1895 gyda cyrraedd rownd derfynol Cwpan Cymru eto. dwy gôl gan W Pryce-Jones yn helpu’r garfan i fuddugoliaeth o 3-2 yn erbyn Wrecsam o Roedd ganddyn nhw dipyn o her dod yn flaen torf o tua 5,000 o bobl yn y Trallwng. benben â’r deiliaid Y Seintiau Newydd ond Ond byddai Wrecsam yn dial yn 1897 wrth o leiaf roedd gan y Drenewydd fantais o i goliau A Williams a E Robinson olygu fod y chwarae gartref yn y rownd derfynol. Roedd Drenewydd wedi’u trechu pedair gwaith yn dwy gôl gan Matty Williams ar gyfer y deiliaid rownd derfynol y gwpan yn nwy ddegawd CODODD SÊR GWYN Y DRENEWYDD GWPAN CYMRU y gynghrair yn golygu fod rhaid i garfan cyntaf y gystadleuaeth. bresennol y Drenewydd wynebu’r un siom â YN ÔL YN 1879 GYDA BUDDUGOLIAETH O 1-0 DROS charfan 1897. WRECSAM, DEILIAID Y GWPAN DIOLCH I GÔL GAN E REES.

Roedd tua 2,500 o bobl yn gwylio yng Nghae Criced Croesoswallt yn dyst i ail rownd derfynol y gystadleuaeth. Profodd i fod yn gyfnod euraidd i’r clwb wrth iddyn nhw gyrraedd pum rownd derfynol arall cyn troad y ganrif. Er i’r blynyddoedd cynnar brofi’n ffrwythlon, byddai bwlch o 118 mlynedd rhwng chweched rownd derfynol y clwb yn 1897, a’u seithfed yn 2015. Yn dilyn eu llwyddiant cyntaf yng Nghwpan Cymru’n 1879, llwyddodd y clwb i gyrraedd y rownd derfynol eto’n 1881 ond colli o 2-0 bu eu hanes yn erbyn tîm euraidd y Derwyddon Cefn o’r cyfnod hwnnw yn y Cae Ras yn Wrecsam. Daeth cyfle i wneud iawn am y golled honno yn 1886 ond parhaodd y Derwyddon ar y brig i sicrhau buddugoliaeth o 4-0. Er iddynt gyrraedd y rownd derfynol am y bedwaredd tro yn 1888, roedd

20 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 21 "PEOPLE SAY IT'S NOT THE SAME WHEN YOU WIN IT TWO OR THREE ABERYSTWYTH TIMES, BUT IT IS. IT'S JUST AS NICE WHEN TOWN YOU WIN IT THREE OR FOUR TIMES..."

THE 2002 WELSH CUP FINAL WAS THE ONLY FINAL THAT HAS EVER BEEN PLAYED AT ABERYSTWYTH TOWN'S PARK AVENUE, AND AS A RESULT IT FORMS PART OF BARRY TOWN'S FAMOUS HISTORY IN THE COMPETITION.

Over 2,000 fans were in attendance as a times, but it is. It's just as nice when you win it 4-1 win over Bangor City ensured a second three or four times, I just wish I could have won consecutive Welsh Cup success for the it more.” dominant domestic force at the time. But while Park Avenue has witnessed Welsh Goals from Jon French, current Newport Cup success, Aberystwyth Town have not County manager Mike Flynn, and a brace lifted the trophy since their one and only from striker Jamie Moralee made it another triumph in 1900. year to remember for the club as they Played at the Cunnings in Newtown, 3,000 completed the second of three consecutive people came out to watch Aberystwyth league and cup doubles. Town defeat Druids 3-0 through goals from Gary Lloyd was a key member of that Barry Green, James and Storey. Town side and treasures his Welsh Cup Welsh Cup final defeats to Bangor City and memories. “I love the Welsh Cup,” explained The New Saints in 2009 and 2014 would the former defender. “Growing up as a kid, watching my father (Gilbert Lloyd) playing, it follow respectively over a century later, and was one trophy that he didn't win. He had 33 the aim for the Green and Blacks will now be to bring the famous trophy back to Park amateur caps for Wales, which is a record. Avenue. “After winning the Welsh Cup for the first time I went over and gave him my medal, but he wouldn't take it, he said 'No, that's yours. You've earned it, you keep it'. People say it's not the same when you win it two or three

22 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 23 ROWND DERFYNOL 2002 OEDD YR UNIG DRO I’R ROWND DERFYNOL CPD TREF GAEL EI GYNNAL YNG NGHOEDLAN Y PARC, CARTREF CPD ABERYSTWYTH ABERYSTWYTH AC O GANLYNIAD MAE’N CHWARAE RHAN YN HANES ENWOG CPD TREF Y BARRI YN Y GYSTADLEUAETH.

Roedd dros 2,000 o gefnogwyr yno’n Ond tra bod Coedlan y Parc wedi bod gwylio’r fuddugoliaeth o 4-1 dros Fangor, yn dyst i lwyddiant Cwpan Cymru, tydi ail fuddugoliaeth yn olynol i’r Barri a’r grym CPD Aberystwyth heb godi’r tlws ers eu domestig ar y pryd. buddugoliaeth yn 1900. Roedd goliau gan Jon French, rheolwr Ar gae’r Cunnings yn y Drenewydd, daeth presennol Casnewydd Mike Flynn a dwy 3,000 o bobl i wylio Aberystwyth yn trechu’r gôl gan yr ymosodwr Jamie Moralee yn ei Derwyddon o 3-0 gyda goliau gan Green, gwneud hi’n flwyddyn arall i’w chofio i’r clwb James a Storey. wrth iddyn nhw gwblhau’r ail allan o dri dwbl Dros ganrif yn ddiweddarach cafwyd eu cynghrair a chwpan yn olynol. trechu gan Fangor a’r Seintiau Newydd Roedd Gary Lloyd yn aelod allweddol o garfan yn 2009 a 2014 felly’r bwriad nawr fydd y Barri bryd hynny ac mae’n trysori ei atgofion dychwelyd y tlws enwog yn ôl i Goedlan y Parc. o Gwpan Cymru. “Rwy’n caru Cwpan Cymru,” eglurodd y cyn-amddiffynnwr. “Pan oeddwn i’n tyfu fyny yn gwylio fy nhad (Gilbert Lloyd) yn chwarae, dyna oedd yr unig dlws iddo beidio ennill. Roedd ganddo 33 gap amatur i MAE POBL YN DWEUD Gymru, sy’n record. " “Ar ôl ennill Cwpan Cymru am y tro cyntaf nes NAD YDI O ‘RUN PETH i fynd draw at fy nhad a rhoi fy medal i iddo ond PAN TI’N ENNILL roedd o’n gwrthod ei dderbyn. ‘Na, dy fedal di ydi hwnna. Ti’n ei haeddu o, cadwa di o.’ Mae Y GWPAN DDWYWAITH pobl yn dweud nad ydi o ‘run peth pan ti’n ennill y gwpan ddwywaith neu dair ond mae o. Mae’r NEU DAIR OND teimlad cystal pan ti’n ei ennill o dair neu bedair MAE O...." gwaith a fyswn i wedi hoffi ei ennill fwy.”

24 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 25 CONNAH'S QUAY NOMADS v BANGOR CITY NEWTOWN FC v ABERYSTWYTH TOWN

DEAN JOHN DANIEL BECKETT LEE EVANS JOHN BRYANT REFEREE ASSISTANT REFEREE 1 REFEREE ASSISTANT REFEREE 1

PHIL THOMAS MARK PETCH MARTIN ROBERTS KEVIN PARRY ASSISTANT REFEREE 2 4TH OFFICIAL ASSISTANT REFEREE 2 4TH OFFICIAL

26 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 27 WHEN TOSHACK EDGED PAST CHARLES

REFLECTING ON MEMORABLE WELSH CUP MOMENTS IN HISTORY, WE ROLL THE CLOCK BACK 50 YEARS TO THE 1967/68 SEASON, AND A WELSH CUP FINAL THAT A talismanic influence, Charles was Wales' Famously taking the club through the BROUGHT TOGETHER TWO FAMOUS star man at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, but divisions to the top-flight, Toshack's became WELSH FOOTBALL NAMES AT VERY injury denied him a place in the quarter-final a wanted man, and he headed to Portugal DIFFERENT STAGES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE when eventual winners Brazil eliminated in 1984 to take charge of Sporting Lisbon. AND ILLUSTRIOUS CAREERS. Wales through a goal from an emerging Although it didn't prove to be a successful teenager called Pele. But Charles was appointment for either party, it would spark more than a world class footballer, he was a managerial career that would take Toshack Two of the most famous names to have and had been appointed player-manager considered a gentleman by those that were across Europe and beyond over the course of played their part in Welsh Cup history are the year before having initially joined the fortunate enough to know him, and it is fitting the next 30-plus years. His most prominent John Toshack and John Charles, and these Southern League club to end his playing that even the stars of the modern game today appointments would be in Spain where two towering figures in Welsh football career in the lower divisions of the English are compared against the standards that he he managed Real Madrid twice and Real history went head-to-head in the 81st final football pyramid. set back in a very different era. Sociedad three times, bringing the La Liga of the competition back in 1968. Contested title to the Santiago Bernabeu in 1990. Legend is an overused term in the modern Of course, Charles was past his best when between Cardiff City and Hereford United game, but studying the career of John he turned out for Hereford United in the Despite playing both legs, Toshack failed to over two legs in May, the club from the Charles will assist any student of the game 1968 Welsh Cup final, but is aura remained, find the net for Cardiff City in the 1968 Welsh capital eased to a 6-1 aggregate victory to to understand when it should be applied and there is no doubt that competing Cup final as his side added to their 2-0 goal retain the trophy in front of just over 6,000 correctly. Regarded as world class as both against such a Welsh football legend would advantage gained at Edgar Street to win 4-1 fans at Ninian Park. a central defender and a striker, Il Gigante have been a huge moment for the teenage at Ninian Park in the return match. However, Ten days earlier, a teenage John Toshack had Buono (the Gentle Giant) is considered by John Toshack. Wearing the colours of his there would be a moment for Hereford taken to the field at Edgar Street to take on a many to be Britain's finest footballing export hometown club Cardiff City, Toshack would United to celebrate, as Charles himself Hereford United side that included 36-year even to this day. Swansea-born Charles was score 74 goals before moving to Liverpool scored the consolation goal on his return to old player-manager John Charles. A Welsh a revered figure at Leeds United and the in 1970. At Anfield he would enjoy domestic Ninian Park after representing Cardiff City football hero, Charles had represented Italian giants, and would become a hero for and European success, but it was with for three years before making the switch to his country with distinction until bringing the national team too. Swansea City that he forge his successful non-league football. his international career to an end in 1965, managerial future.

28 www.faw.cymru www.faw.cymru 29 JD

THE ROAD TO THE SEMI-FINALS

THE TWELVE JD WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS ENTERED THE COMPETITION AT THE 3RD ROUND STAGE, AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE SHOCK AS ABERYSTWYTH TOWN ELIMINATED HOLDERS BALA TOWN WITH A RESOUNDING 4-0 VICTORY THROUGH GOALS FROM DECLAN WALKER, JOHN OWEN, JOE PHILLIPS AND LUKE BORRELLI. WELSH CUP FINAL 1967/68 1ST LEG: 6 May 1968 at Edgar St, Hereford Meanwhile, Bangor City surprisingly conceded Connah's Quay Nomads responded with Hereford United 0-2 Cardiff City (Jones, King) three goals at home to Welsh League outfit goals from Michael Bakare, Michael Wilde Cwmamman United, but progressed with and George Horan to book their place in the Hereford United: Isaac, Page, Timms, Jones, Lambden, J Charles, McIntosh, Summerhayes, a 4-3 win. Connah's Quay Nomads and last eight. Hunter, Derrick, Frazer Newtown eased past lower league opponents Penydarren BGC made national headlines Cardiff City: Davies, Carver, Ferguson, Dean, Murray, Harris, Jones, M Clarke, B Clark, with respective 3-0 and 2-0 victories over through their JD Welsh Cup run this season, Toshack, Lea Cwmbran Celtic and Guilsfield. but the story came to an end as Bangor Referee: I P Jones (Trelewis) Newtown needed penalties in the 4th round City claimed a 7-0 victory despite a spirited Attendance: 5422 to edge past Cymru Alliance side Flint Town performance from the team from the fifth tier. United, and while Bangor City conceded 2ND LEG: 16 May 1968 at Ninian Park, Cardiff Meanwhile, goals from Michael Bakare and twice at Llanrhaedr-ym-Mochnant, a brace Cardiff City (Bean, Clarke, o.g., Lea) 4-1 Hereford United (Charles) Callum Morris enabled Connah's Quay to from Joel Bembo-Leta helped the Citizens come from behind against JD Welsh Premier Cardiff City: Davies, Carver, Ferguson, Clarke, Murray, Harris, Jones, Dean, King, to a 3-2 win. Toshack, Lea League champions The New Saints to record Aberystwyth Town progressed to the a memorable 2-1 win. Hereford United: Isaac, Page, Timms, Jones, Lambden, J Charles, McIntosh, Summerhayes, quarter-final as a solitary goal from Malcolm Hunter, Derrick, Frazer Aberystwyth Town and Newtown meet in Melvin proved to be the difference against (Trelewis) the semi-final following respective away Referee: I P Jones Cardiff Met. quarter-final victories over Carmarthen Attendance: 6036 Elsewhere, despite conceding against Town and Llandudno. Match stats courtesy of the Welsh Football Data Archive – www.welshsoccerarchive.co.uk Porthmadog inside the opening 10 minutes,

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