It’s not often Championship football clubs get to lock horns with those in the Welsh domestic system, but it’s game on, down west on Saturday afternoon.
Carmarthen Town will be rolling out the red carpet for Swansea City, who are the visitors in the first round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
The Swans won’t be taking their first team, but there could be one or two older heads among the U21s who will be on show against the Old Gold.
Joe Allen is probably Carmarthen’s most famous footballing son and is now back at the Swans in a career that has taken the former Wales midfielder to Liverpool and Stoke City as well as Euro and World Cup stages for his country.
But there are other links between Carmarthen and Swansea as Town’s current players Tom Dyson and Mason Jones-Thomas both had spells with the Swansea academy.
Goalkeeper Lee Idzi also came through the ranks at the Swansea.com Stadium.
“It’s a brand new competition for us, which is exciting for everyone involved,” says Swansea Under-21 coach Anthony Wright.
“It’s also an opportunity for the younger players to play against some more senior players in a competitive environment.
“Not only that, it’s a great competition within the Welsh football pyramid and we are very happy the FAW have given us this entry, as it will only aid the development of our players.
“We’re looking forward to playing a new team, pre-season has been going well and, hopefully, we’ll see a lot of Swans fans there cheering the boys on.”
Abertillery Bluebirds – newly promoted to the Cymru South last season – open their season with another tie in the south section of the Nathaniel MG Cup at home to Ammanford, who will be captained this season by Luke Harris.
Alaso on Saturday in the south section, Cwmbran Celtic are at home to Taffs Well, Goytre United host Llantwit Major, while Caerau Ely and Trefelin have both been gives byes.
In the northern section on Saturday, Buckley Town host Mold Alexandra at The Globe, with the visitors coming off the back of a notable friendly victory over Runcorn Town.
Holywell Town – who ran Colwyn Bay so close for the Cymru North title last season – open their Cup campaign with a home tie against Bangor 1876.
Ardal North East champions Caersws have their first competitive fixture of the season at home to Guilsfield.
Porthmadog host Llanidloes Town, who could include new striker Nyasha Mwamuka, signed from Llanfair United.
Both Gresford Athletic and Prestatyn Town have been awarded byes into round two.
