Weekend of shocks ahead?

Just when you thought it was safe to go back onto the football pitch, Mother Nature has struck again.

 

Snow has fallen across Mid Wales making this weekend’s big return to football action very unlikely.

 

And what a weekend it was shaping up to be! Central Wales Cup action was taking centre stage with the Emrys Morgan Cup keeping amateur league sides busy.

 

Technogroup Welshpool’s decision to pull out of the competition to concentrate their resources on League survival certainly warmed up the week too with fans, players and officials letting their anger be known through local blog sites.

 

Even their opposition, Tregaron Turfs, were shocked to read on mywelshpool that the game was off with one club insider contacting us to say: “It is scandalous. This would have been one of the biggest games in our history. We were expecting a big crowd of up to 300 and had secured good sponsors for the game. We have lost crucial revenue now as a result.”

 

However, across Maesydre, Waterloo Rovers are taking the competition very seriously having lifted the prestigious trophy for the first time last season.

 

“How clubs can shy away from it is beyond me,” said manager Dave Proctor. “It is a very big competition. It is a cup that local clubs want to have a good run in and we will certainly be looking to do the same this season.”

 

Proctor is hoping the game beats the weather to get a reaction from his players who slumped to a 5-3 reverse to Carno at the weekend following a poor first half. They face a Meifod side propping up the Spar Division Two but he will be treating them with respect.

 

“Meifod have nothing to lose. It will probably be a welcome break from the league for them so they will be giving it a good go I am sure,” said Proctor.

 

Guilsfield will be on their guard when Cardigan travel to the village looking to upset the Huws Gray Alliance strugglers.

 

Manager Russell Cadwallader says Monday’s narrow defeat at league leaders Connah’s Quay Nomads was one of the best performances he has witnessed from his side since he took over.

 

“I don’t know how we came away empty handed,” he said: “The lads were tremendous and dominated the match for long periods.”

 

Elsewhere, Berriew will want to bounce back from Sunday’s Montgomeryshire Cup final defeat at home to Aberystwyth University while their conquerors Montgomery host Tywyn Bryncrug.

 

The picks of the other ties see Four Crosses take on Dyffryn Banw while Llanrhaeadr face a tricky test at Penparcau. Llansantffraid Village entertain Dolgellau.