The New Saints Barely Scraped By and Their Rivalry Rematch Is On the Line

The New Saints, those 10-time Welsh Cup champions and current Cymru Premier leaders, just barely dodged a bullet, beating Airbus Broughton UK 2-1 to squeak into the 2026/27 Welsh Cup third round. Talk about a late scare! This was the first all-Cymru Premier showdown of the season, and it definitely delivered some drama.

Dan Williams’ Late Heroics Avert an Upset

It wasn’t easy for TNS. After Dan Davies hammered home an early strike, Jordan Evans pulled one back for Airbus Broughton UK, leveling the score and setting up what could have been a massive upset. But then Dan Williams stepped up, scoring late in the game to ensure the leaders weren’t sent packing early. Remember, TNS got knocked out in the third round last season by Cardiff Met. And guess what? Cardiff Met absolutely crushed Ynyshir Albions 4-0, meaning they’re also in the hat for the third-round draw. Could we see a rematch of last season’s early exit? That would be a huge storyline!

Top Teams Cruise While Hat-Trick Heroes Emerge

While TNS was grinding it out, some other top-flight sides made it look easy. Connah’s Quay Nomads, who’ve won the competition twice, dominated Porthmadog 4-0. Cambrian United absolutely ran over Trethomas Bluebirds with a 5-0 win, with Dylan Edwards bagging two goals. Briton Ferry Llansawel totally cruised past Afan United 5-0, thanks to an incredible 16-minute hat-trick from Luke Bowen, plus goals from Joseph Lloyd and Corey Hurford. Bowen wasn’t the only one lighting it up, either. Tim Parker went off for Caerau Ely, firing home three goals in their 6-0 dismantling of Cymru South strugglers Llanelli Twn. Elsewhere, Swansea-based Rockspur Fords survived a wild seven-goal thriller, edging Evans & Williams 4-3 thanks to a decisive fourth goal from Daniel Williams. And Bangor City 1876 also advanced, beating Cymru North rivals Denbigh Town 2-0.

More second-round ties are coming our way on Saturday and Sunday. With TNS barely surviving and Cardiff Met looking sharp, the anticipation for that third-round draw is huge. Get ready for some potential fireworks if those two get paired up again!

This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.

Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.