The draw for the Welsh Premier League Cup was made earlier this week, with holders The New Saints going for a landmark 10th title this campaign.
Known as the Nathaniel MG Cup for its 27th incarnation, it has also gone by the name League of Wales Cup and Word Cup since it was established in 1992 as the second-most important domestic cup competition for Welsh football clubs.
The first competition was won by Afan Lido in 1992-93, while The New Saints hold the record for the most League Cup titles.
The current format, introduced in 2014-15, sees the Welsh Premier clubs joined by six teams each from the Cymru Alliance and Welsh League along with four wild-card entrants.
Round one is contested by 24 teams, with the previous season’s four semi-finalists receiving a bye through to round two.
The draw for each round is regionalised, with the tournament becoming an open draw at the semi-final stage.
The cup is currently held by The New Saints, who defeated Cardiff Metropolitan University 1-0 in the 2017-18 final. They, along with losing semi-finalists Connah’s Quay and Newtown, received a bye into round two for this year’s competition.
Of the previous winners, only Caersws will not have a chance to add to their tally of trophies this year, the Bluebirds having previously won the trophy on three occasions.
Inaugural winners Afan Lido, who have also won the cup on three occasions, face a trip to fellow Welsh League opponents Goytre United in this year’s first round; while Goytre welcome Carmarthen Town, who have also lifted the cup three times.
Trailing behind TNS by five titles, Barry Town begin their quest for a fifth League Cup trophy at Cambrian & Clydach; while two-time winners Rhyl host Caernarfon Town.
Connah’s Quay and Llanelli are the only other winners, both having won the cup on one occasion.
Llanelli face a tough trip to Haverfordwest, with Connah’s Quay receiving a bye to round two having been semi-finalists last year where they will also be joined by TNS, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Newtown.
In other first-round fixtures six-times beaten finalists Bangor City host Llandudno, 2015-16 surprise finalists Denbigh Town welcome Prestatyn Town, and two-times finalists Bala Town are at Guilsfield.
The final Welsh Premier outfit in the competition Aberystwyth Town travel to Welshpool, with
Cefn Druids welcoming Airbus UK, Holywell at Flint Town United, and Ton Pentre welcoming Penybont.
Full first round draw
Goytre United v Afan Lido
Goytre v Carmarthen Town
Cambrian & Clydach v Barry Town United
Bangor City v Llandudno
Rhyl v Caernarfon Town
Haverfordwest v Llanelli Town
Denbigh Town v Prestatyn Town
Guilsfield v Bala Town
Welshpool Town v Aberystwyth Town
Cefn Druids v Airbus UK
Flint Town United v Holywell
Ton Pentre v Penybont
