FAW Premier Cup Round-Up - Quarter-Finals

Again...?
By Chris O'Brien
January 28 2004

The F.A.W Premier Cup quarter-final ties have passed, with all three of the Football League clubs avoiding potential upsets and making it through to the semi-finals. However, it was sunny Rhyl that saw the best Cup action, with a stunning 8-0 victory over Welsh Premier holders Barry Town.

The Premier Cup provided some interesting quarter-final ties, with Rhyl taking the headlines for their humungous victory over League of Wales strugglers Barry Town. There were no upsets in the last 8 of the competition, with the 'big three' all making it to the quarter-finals for the first time in a number of seasons.

Total Network Solutions 0-2 Wrexham
Welsh Premier leaders TNS gave a tremendous advert for the national league with an impressive performance over holders Wrexham. The hosts, looking for their first League of Wales crown this year, battled hard and had Wrexham on the ropes for much of the game, however the Saints lacked that final touch in front of goal. The Robins goals came from Hector Sam and Stephen Roberts, with Carlos Edwards outstanding throughout, in a game that was shown live on BBC Wales. You've really got to admire Wrexham, who played their first-choice team and actually had their proper manager in charge for the game! The respect they show to the trophy is the reason why they have won it so many times, and the reason why they'll deserve to win it this season.

Rhyl 8-0 Barry Town
As Welsh Premier holders, Barry Town received a bye to the quarter-finals, but any chances of the Dragons easing their current woes with a Premier Cup run were dashed, as North Wales outfit Rhyl hammered the side who currently prop up the League of Wales. Financial troubles have seen Barry lose their professional status this season, and after a decade of dominance in the Welsh pyramid, look set to be relegated to the Welsh League. Highly-rated Rhyl striker Andy Moran hit a hat-trick as the Seasiders cruised to a remarkable victory.

Caersws 2-4 Swansea City (AET)
Arch-rivals Swansea got lucky against their League of Wales opponents, only taking the lead for the first-time in extra-time. Graham Evans gave the part-timers the lead, only for Coates to equalise for the Jacks before half-time. Chris Venables put Caesws 2-1 up, and a major upset against a full-strength visiting side looked on the cards before Karl Connolly unfortunately conjured a last-minute equaliser. Andy Robinson and Kevin Nugent scored in extra time to win it for Swansea, but the result was harsh on the mid-Wales side. Oh well, at least we could have a derby on our hands in the semi-finals! Bring on the Jacks, although we'll probably get Rhyl away!

Full news on the Cup draw will be uploaded as soon as possible.