Predictions for JD Welsh Cup second round northern section ties

CPD Llannefydd v Guilsfield:

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two side will be looking to pull off their biggest scalp to date in the form of the Guils’, who have enjoyed another tremendous start to the second tier campaign and come into the tie on the back of a 2-0 win at Bangor City.

Much will depend on the form of Llan stopper Stuart Griffiths during the clash, who is a recent signing and brings with him a wealth of experience at the likes of Denbigh Town and Llandyrnog United.

Conditions could well play their part and the Guils’ will have to be at their resolute best to emerge from a tricky-looking tie with a place in the third round.

Prediction: Llannefydd 1-2 Guilsfield

Porthmadog v Gresford Athletic:

The JD Cymru North rivals square off in knockout action with both aiming for a consistency that has so far evaded them this term.

Port and Athletic have shown signs of what they are capable of during the first half of the campaign, but this has not been for a prolonged period of time and has seen both looking over their shoulders in the battle to avoid the drop.

This could be a spring-board for either side to finally kick-start their season and Port will be hoping home advantage plays its part in what is sure to be a closely fought affair.

Prediction: Porthmadog 3-2 Gresford Athletic

Holyhead Hotspur v Buckley Town:

In-form Spurs’ have a golden chance to cause an upset against second-tier opposition this weekend, but they will have to start well after a period of inactivity to avoid complications further on in the contest.

Darren Garmey’s men have made a hugely impressive start to the campaign following relegation last term, using the setback as a platform to rebuild a gifted squad that boasts plenty of individuals that can win a game on their own.

Town have struggled somewhat this season and currently find themselves in 13th position in the standings, and they will need to keep prolific forward Chris Jones quiet if they are to progress.

Prediction: Holyhead Hotspur 2-0 Buckley Town

Greenfield v Flint Town United:

Arguably the tie of the round, derby bragging rights will be at stake as Greenfield welcome the Silkmen for whet is sure to be a frantic and full-blooded cup encounter.

The third-tier side will be aiming to make it as uncomfortable as humanly possible on the pitch for Niall McGuinness’ men, who come into the game on the back of some really encouraging form that once again sees them in the upper echelons of tier two.

Prediction: Greenfield 1-3 Flint Town United

Nantlle Vale v Colwyn Bay:

Another very intriguing cup clash sees Vale entertain a Bay side that have won their last six in all competitions after adjusting extremely well to life back within the Welsh domestic pyramid.

Daniel Bell’s side have nothing to lose and everything to gain from the clash, are notoriously difficult to beat on home soil and have started the season in positive fashion.

The same can be said for Craig Hogg’s side, who are strong all over the pitch and have really found their stride after some early jitters.

Prediction: Nantlle Vale 1-2 Colwyn Bay

Mold Alexandra v Llanrug United

United face the long trip to north east Wales to take on a resurgent Alex side that have lofty ambitions.

The Welsh Alliance Division One side can be more than a match for anyone when they are in the mood, but their inconsistencies have been their downfall so far this season and this could see them exit the competition at the second round stage.

Prediction: Mold Alexandra 2-0 Llanrug United

Rhyl v FC Queens Park:

Park will look to pull off the biggest result in the club’s recent history at the Lilywhites, who have a rich history of success in the competition and will be aiming to extend this tradition in the weeks and months ahead.

The home side come into the game on the back of two successive defeats that have seen them fall off the pace in JD Cymru North, and they will have to be fully motivated from the outset against a talented side that have had success in the area recently after beating Prestatyn Sports in the first round.

Prediction: Rhyl 3-1 FC Queens Park

Llandudno v Llanfair United:

This represents a good chance for Tudno to return to the third round at the expense of the second-tier basement dwellers, who have found life difficult in JD Cymru North after securing promotion last term.

Matthew Jones’ new-look squad have shown flashes of brilliance this season and have plenty of accomplished and experienced performers that can have a huge say in the overall outcome of the contest.

Prediction: Llandudno 3-0 Llanfair United

Bangor City v Prestatyn Town

Two of the most storied clubs in the area go head-to-head at the Eurogold Stadium, with both enduring contrasting fortunes so far this season.

The Seasiders’ have lived up to their high billing after significant investment in the playing squad over the summer, achieving a wealth of league and cup triumphs that leave things looking very promising for the remainder of the campaign.

City have flattered to deceive so far this term with a squad full of international faces, and they will be looking to avoid another drubbing at the hands of Town that put pay to Stephen Vaughan Jr’s time at the helm.

Prediction: Bangor City 1-4 Prestatyn Town

Bangor 1876 v Ruthin Town:

Hundreds are expected to descend on Treborth for 1876’s biggest test to date, and it will be interesting to see how the squad responds following their first ever competitive loss last weekend at Llanrwst United.

They must regroup quickly to avoid a second straight knockout loss against a formidable Town outfit that is now established as a second tier force and pose a considerable threat up front in the form of two-time JD Cymru North golden boot winner Llyr Morris.

Prediction: Bangor 1876 1-2 Ruthin Town