BANGOR City have been denied a place in the lucrative Iron Bru Cup following their demotion from the JD Welsh Premier League.

The Football Association of Wales announced that Connah’s Quay Nomads will replace the Citizens in the competition, which is a further financial blow for the club after they were forced to accept Huws Gray Alliance next term after failing to obtain an FAW Domestic Licence.

When asked for a reason as to why they have not been included, a statement replied: “Please be advised that following discussions between the FAW and the SPFL, the invitations for the 2018/19 Irn Bru Cup have been sent to The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads respectively.”

Vanarama National League sides have been invited into the competition for the first time, Boreham Wood and Sutton United taking the two allocated places.

A spokesperson said: "The SPFL is pleased to announce a further expansion of the IRN-BRU Cup with the introduction of two English National League representatives to the competition next season.

"The announcement comes after the successful change of format introduced in 2016/17, which saw two teams each from Northern Ireland and Wales, additional clubs from the Highland and Lowland Leagues and all Ladbrokes Premiership under-20 Colt teams taking part, followed by the addition of two teams from the League of Ireland in season 2017/18.

"Now, following UEFA approval, Sutton United and Boreham Wood – the highest-ranked Vanarama National League sides in 2017/18 still competing in the division – will join the Irish (Bohemians and Bray Wanderers), Northern Irish (Crusaders and Coleraine) and Welsh (The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads) representatives at the Second Round stage of the competition.

"The First Round Draw for the 2018/19 IRN-BRU Cup will take place on Tuesday, June 26. Full competition format details will be announced in due course."