When Football Association of Wales unveiled the Round Two draw for the 2025-26 JD Welsh Cup, few expected the biggest story to be a local rivalry turning into a knockout thriller — but that’s exactly what happened. The draw, published in October 2025, pitted Bala Town against Connah's Quay Nomads in what fans immediately labeled a ‘huge derby’ — a clash of two historic Welsh clubs with deep-rooted regional pride, separated by just 30 miles across the scenic Clwydian Range. Matches were set for the weekend of October 17-19, 2025, but the real drama unfolded later — and not always as the draw predicted.
Derby Day and Upsets: The Round Two Shockers
The Football Association of Wales structured the competition into North and South sections, with 32 matches total. But the real headlines came from results that defied seeding and expectation. On October 18, 2025, Connah's Quay Nomads crushed Bala Town 3-0 — a result that stunned the home crowd at Llandrindod Wells’ Victoria Ground, where Bala had won their last five home games. It wasn’t just a loss; it was a statement. Connah’s Quay, a club that’s won the Cymru Premier twice in the last decade, looked every bit the favorites — and they proved it.
But the biggest shock wasn’t in the North. It was in the South, where Cardiff MU, a university side playing in the Cymru South, pulled off a 2-1 upset over The New Saints, the dominant force in Welsh football with nine league titles in the last 11 years. The match, played at Cardiff’s Cyncoed Campus, ended with a last-minute winner from 19-year-old midfielder Dylan Evans — a player who’d only made his first-team debut three weeks prior. Fans chanted his name long after the final whistle. "They didn’t just beat us," said Justin Fashanu, a former TNS player turned pundit. "They made us look like we were playing in last season’s kit."
Meanwhile, Llanelli Town suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat at the hands of Barry Town United, a club that narrowly avoided relegation last season. The scoreline echoed their 2023 FA Cup loss to Newport County — a pattern that’s starting to worry supporters. "It’s not just about skill," said Gareth Williams, a Llanelli season ticket holder since 1998. "It’s about heart. And we didn’t see any of that on Saturday."
Lower League Giants and the Leaked Draw Controversy
While top-tier upsets grabbed headlines, the real magic of the Welsh Cup lives in the lower tiers. Blaenavon Blues, a team from a former coal-mining village in Torfaen, defeated Pontyclun FC 4-2 on October 25, 2025 — a result that sent their small, 1,200-capacity ground into pandemonium. Their next match? A home tie against Newport City on November 23, 2025. "We’ve got a chance to play at Rodney Parade," said Blaenavon captain Lee Davies. "That’s a dream for any kid in this town."
But the tournament wasn’t without controversy. Reports surfaced on AOL.com that a "leaked" version of the Round Two draw had circulated on Welsh football forums days before the FAW’s official announcement. While no evidence of foul play was confirmed, the Football Association of Wales was forced to issue a public statement defending the integrity of its draw process. "We use a certified randomization system, audited by an independent firm," said FAW head of competitions Helen Jones. "Any suggestion otherwise is baseless and damaging to the spirit of the game."
Still, the rumors lingered — especially after it became known that several clubs had received unofficial notifications via email from an unverified domain. The FAW declined to say whether an internal investigation was underway.
From Qualifying Rounds to European Dreams
The 2025-26 JD Welsh Cup is the 114th edition of the oldest national football competition in Wales — dating back to 1877. This season, 128 clubs entered, from the Cymru Premier down to regional league sides like Penygraig United and Trethomas Bluebirds. The first qualifying round, drawn on August 6, 2025, and played on August 22-23, saw some wild results: Tata Steel United crushed Ynystawe Athletic 7-0, while NFA and Bethesda Athletic drew 0-0 before NFA won 7-6 on penalties — a sequence that went viral on Welsh Twitter.
The winner of the JD Welsh Cup earns a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers — a lifeline for smaller clubs desperate for European exposure. Last year’s winner, The New Saints, earned over £1.2 million in UEFA prize money and broadcasting revenue. For clubs like Blaenavon Blues or Garden Village, even reaching Round Three means sponsorships, local pride, and a chance to play in front of national TV cameras.
What’s Next? The Road to the Final
Round Three is set for November 21-23, 2025. The draw will take place on November 5, and with 16 teams remaining, the competition is narrowing into a true knockout. The only guaranteed certainty? More chaos. Newport City will host Blaenavon Blues. Carmarthen Town will face Cefn Cribwr. And Barry Town United, riding high after their 6-0 thrashing of Llanelli, will look to keep their dream alive.
One thing’s clear: this isn’t just a cup run. It’s a story of identity, grit, and the unpredictable beauty of Welsh football — where a village team can knock out a national powerhouse, and a derby can change a season overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Bala Town vs Connah's Quay Nomads match considered a derby?
Though they’re not in the same city, Bala Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads represent two of the most passionate football communities in North Wales, separated by just 30 miles. Their matches often decide regional bragging rights, and both clubs have historically battled for promotion and cup glory. The rivalry intensified in 2022 when Connah’s Quay eliminated Bala from the Welsh Cup in extra time — a result still debated by fans today.
How did Cardiff MU manage to beat The New Saints?
Cardiff MU, the university team, used aggressive pressing and quick transitions to disrupt The New Saints’ usual possession-based style. Their 19-year-old midfielder Dylan Evans scored the winner after a counterattack in the 88th minute. The Saints, playing their third game in seven days, looked fatigued and uncharacteristically disorganized. It was the first time since 2018 that TNS lost a cup match to a non-Cymru Premier side.
What’s the significance of the "leaked draw" controversy?
While no official breach was proven, the leaked draw rumors raised concerns about transparency in Welsh football governance. Clubs receiving unofficial notifications could have gained unfair tactical advantages — like preparing for a specific opponent before the official draw. The FAW’s response, while firm, didn’t address whether external access to their draw system was possible, leaving fans skeptical.
How does winning the Welsh Cup lead to Europa League qualification?
The winner of the JD Welsh Cup earns a direct entry into the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. This gives smaller clubs access to European competition, prize money, and global exposure. Last season, The New Saints earned over £1.2 million in UEFA revenue — enough to fund two full seasons of youth development. For clubs like Blaenavon Blues, even reaching the final could mean life-changing financial stability.
Why are there North and South sections in the Welsh Cup?
The split reduces travel costs and logistical strain for lower-league teams, many of which operate on tight budgets. It also creates regional rivalries that boost attendance and local interest. The format was introduced in 2017 and has since increased participation by 22%, according to FAW statistics. The two sections merge in the Quarter-Finals, ensuring the later stages remain nationally competitive.
Who sponsors the JD Welsh Cup, and why does it matter?
JD Sports Fashion PLC, the UK-based sportswear retailer, has sponsored the competition since 2021. Their involvement brings crucial funding — over £500,000 annually — to the FAW, which is distributed to clubs based on cup progression. For many non-league teams, this sponsorship money is the difference between staying open and folding. JD’s branding is visible on match balls, pitch signage, and broadcast graphics, making it one of Welsh football’s most visible commercial partnerships.
