By Richard Evans
Cian Ashford score four times for Cardiff City U21s as Haverfordwest County were brought down to earth with a bump after their European adventure.
The Bluebirds youngsters won 4-0 at County’s Bridge Meadow ground, where the home club played a young inexperienced line-up after manager Tony Pennock had criticised the FAW for scheduling the third round round tie of the Nathaniel MG Cup only three days after their European Conference League match against B36 Torshavn.
Six players were handed their competitive first-team debuts against Cardiff’s youngsters as Ashford’s brace gave Cardiff’s Bluebirds a 2-0 lead inside the opening 26 minutes.
The striker completed his hat-trick early in the second half before adding a fourth on 65 minutes.
Nathaniel MG Cup holders Bala Town launched the defence of their title with a comfortable 4-0 win at Ruthin Town.
A fantastic attendance of 2,119 at the Cardiff City Stadium this evening! 👏
Thank you to everyone for your support! 💙#BluebirdsInEurope pic.twitter.com/V7bUMSAWeX
— Haverfordwest County AFC 🏴 (@HaverfordwestFC) August 3, 2023
It was 0-0 at the break, but a hat-trick from George Newell and a fourth from Nathan Peate, turned it into a rout in the end.
One of the sides who have been playing in Europe this summer, Penybont, were beaten 6-4 on penalties by Afan Lido after their game ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. Liam McCreesh gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot after 20 minutes before Chris Venables levelled on the stroke of half-time.
In the shoot-out, Penybont missed twice and the Lido only once. It was then left to Bradley Flay to seal the deal to give the Cymru South side a notable scalp.
JD Cymru Premier champions The New Saints made up for the disappointment of dropping out of Europe by gaining revenge on Connah’s Quay Nomads with a 2-1 home win. The Nomads had knocked them out int he first round last season and took the lead through Callum Bratley after only a dozen minutes.
TNS hit back before the break to lead 2-1 thanks to efforts from Jordan Williams and Josh Daniels. A tight and tense second half remained goalless, although TNS lost Danny Williams in added time when he picked up a second yellow.
Haverfordwest County are now the only Welsh side left in Europe, even more reason to get down to the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday and support the Bluebirds, even if you’re a neutral! 🐦🇪🇺
— Cleddau Casuals (@CleddauCasuals) August 1, 2023
Barry Town United, who returned to the top-flight after winning the Cymru South crown last season, were beaten 2-1 at Jenner Park by one of last season’s relegated clubs, Aberystwyth Town.
Skipper Kayne McLaggon gave Barry the lead in the second half, but goals from Alex Darlington and Billy Kirkman sent the Seasiders through.
There was no problem for last season’s Cymru North champions Colwyn Bay as they beat another relegated team, Airbus UK Broughton, 5-0 at home. To make matters worse for the visitors they had Tyler McManus sent off seven minutes from time.
Swansea City U21progressed to the third round with a slick performance as they beat newly promoted Cymru South side Caerau Ely 3-1 at The Old Road.
Former Briton Ferry man Mitchell Bates opened the scoring at his old stomping ground, with Kyrell Wilson adding a second for the Swans in the first half. Welsh striker Iwan Morgan continued his fine form by grabbing his third goal of the tournament so far 10 minutes into the second half before the visitors grabbed a consolation goal with a curling strike from James Williams.
Gresford Athletic were impressive 3-0 winners at Bangor 1876 with goals from Charley Edge, Sam Spridgeon and Haci Ozlu. The also missed a penalty.
The New Saints FC v Connah’s Quay Nomads FC (2 – 1) in The Nathaniel MG Cup – @tnsfc @the_nomads @CymruLeagues @beeston_sports @ShropshireStar
Photos can be viewed here …https://t.co/AcjLwOcu79
Please credit https://t.co/wi4SBcBQp6 if you use any photos please. pic.twitter.com/Pxxqs1eLs8
— Andrew Donnison (@F28online) August 5, 2023
