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Welsh EFL clubs in talks for European football via Welsh League Cup

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IN a bid to unlock new European opportunities, Wales’ English Football League (EFL) clubs are exploring the possibility of joining the Welsh League Cup, offering them a path to European football. Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham, and Newport County are all part of discussions that could see them compete in the Nathaniel MG Cup, with a chance to represent Wales in the Europa Conference League.

Currently, these clubs play in the English football pyramid and can only qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup, or EFL Cup. However, this new proposal—dubbed Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales)—would provide an alternative route, albeit at the cost of losing eligibility for Europe through English competitions.

The concept is said to have been pitched to UEFA, the Football Association (FA), the Premier League, and Cymru Premier, Wales’ domestic top flight. Central to these discussions is an independent report by Deloitte, commissioned by Swansea City on behalf of the four EFL clubs and the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The report outlines that the initiative could “drive improvement for the whole Welsh football ecosystem,” with financial benefits being shared across grassroots football, domestic clubs, and the women’s game.

Elevating Wales’ European Standing

A key aim of the proposal is to improve Wales’ low UEFA association club coefficient ranking, which currently stands at 50th out of 55 European nations. This low ranking is largely due to poor performances by Welsh clubs in continental competitions. Only a few nations, including San Marino and Gibraltar, rank lower.

The recent success of Cymru Premier champions The New Saints, who qualified for the group stage of the Europa Conference League, has offered a boost to Wales’ standing. The FAW hopes that the inclusion of Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport in European competition would further elevate Wales’ ranking and bring in greater prize money from UEFA. Crucially, a portion of this increased revenue would be distributed to support football across Wales, including the Cymru Premier and grassroots initiatives.

A Welcome Development for Welsh Clubs

The introduction of Welsh EFL clubs into the Nathaniel MG Cup is seen as a potential game-changer for both the clubs themselves and the wider Welsh football community. Cymru Premier clubs have backed the plan, recognising that playing against larger EFL sides could raise the profile of Welsh football. Moreover, the chance for Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport to return to European action holds significant appeal.

These clubs have a storied history in European football, qualifying for competitions via the now-defunct Welsh Cup before moving to the English system. Cardiff City famously defeated Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971, while Wrexham beat Porto in 1984. Newport reached the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals in 1981, and Swansea triumphed 3-0 over Valencia in the 2013 Europa League.

Although Welsh EFL clubs have not competed in an FAW competition since the FAW Premier Cup was abolished in 2008, some have entered under-21 sides in recent editions of the Nathaniel MG Cup. The inclusion of their senior teams, however, with the prize of European football on the line, would be a landmark shift.

Transforming Welsh Football

According to the Prosiect Cymru report, the participation of Wales’ biggest clubs in the Welsh League Cup could “unlock transformational potential” across all levels of Welsh football, from grassroots to the professional game. The project recognises Wales’ unique position in European football, where its largest clubs play in another nation’s league system, hindering the competitiveness of its domestic teams in UEFA competitions.

If the plan proceeds, it could mark a significant turning point in Welsh football history, with the potential to elevate the domestic game while reigniting the European ambitions of Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport.

For Welsh football fans, the prospect of watching their teams compete in Europe once again may soon become a reality.

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

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Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.

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Sport

Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3

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Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.

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Sport

Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory

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Broad Haven 4-4 Solva

In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.

Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.

Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II

Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.

Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II

The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.

Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth

Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.

Analysis:

The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.

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