Pontarddulais Town head to Glenhafod Park Stadium on Saturday with a place in the last 16 of the FAW Welsh Cup within reach, as they prepare to face familiar opponents Rockspur in a huge third-round tie.
Both clubs are playing in the third round for the first time in their history.
Plenty of supporters are expected to make the trip from Pontarddulais, adding to the excitement surrounding a cup run that has already given the Bont plenty to celebrate.
With both clubs competing in the West Wales Premier League, the tie guarantees a fourth-tier side a place in the next round.
Four rounds, four wins
For the Ravens, Saturday is the latest step in a journey that began in the first qualifying round with a thrilling 5-3 home win over Abercarn United.
Elliot Smith scored twice as Pontarddulais came through an entertaining opening test.
The second qualifying round brought a much tighter contest against Caldicot Town. With the game still goalless heading into the closing moments, Cam Williams struck a last-minute winner to keep the Bont’s cup hopes alive.
Pontarddulais then produced a convincing first-round performance at home to Monmouth Town, with goals from Iestyn Rees and Osian Fitzgerald-Davies securing a 2-0 victory and setting up a meeting with Ardal South West side Goytre United.
That tie provided another test of the Ravens’ character. After Rees’ opener was cancelled out, captain Lewis Rocke quickly restored the advantage before 17-year-old substitute Elis Thomas made sure of a 3-1 win in the second half.
‘A real buzz around the club’
Four victories have brought Pontarddulais to this stage, and coach Kraig Dhar believes those performances have helped create a positive mood around the club.
He said: “There is a real buzz around the club. We’ve worked hard to get to this stage, and the players are excited about the opportunity.”
League leaders Rockspur
Saturday’s contest will take place at Goytre’s Glenhafod Park ground, where Rockspur will present a difficult challenge.
The league leaders continued their strong start to the season with a 2-0 victory at Cwmamman United on Tuesday and have already demonstrated their attacking threat in this competition.
Their 4-3 win over Evans & Williams in the previous round featured two goals from Sam Lewis, alongside finishes from Calem Rees and Dan Williams. Having led 3-0 at half-time, Rockspur had to withstand a second-half fightback to secure their place in the third round.
A draw to build on
For Pontarddulais, keeping that attack quiet will be important, but there is encouragement to be found in the sides’ most recent meeting. Although Rockspur won both league encounters last season, the Bont earned a 1-1 draw on their visit in September.
That result gives the Ravens something to build on. They have shown they can compete with Rockspur, and the challenge now is to turn another strong performance into a place in the last 16.
Dhar added: “We respect Rockspur, but our focus is very much on what we can do and making sure we give ourselves the best possible chance of progressing.”
Pontarddulais will need to stay organised, manage the difficult spells and take their chances.
Their cup run has already demanded different ways of winning, from the eight-goal encounter with Abercarn to the late breakthrough against Caldicot.
Those experiences could prove valuable if Saturday’s tie is decided by fine margins.
‘A brilliant achievement’
The travelling support could also play its part. With plenty of Bont fans expected at Glenhafod, the players should have no shortage of encouragement as they look to extend their run.
Reaching the last 16 would be a major achievement for Pontarddulais and a reward for everyone who gives their time to the club. Dhar was keen to recognise that work ahead of the match, describing the prospect as “a brilliant achievement for the whole Pontarddulais community.”
There is a tough afternoon ahead, but the Ravens have earned their opportunity. After four cup victories, they will head to Glenhafod with belief, backing and the chance to give their supporters another afternoon to remember.
Rockspur v Pontarddulais Town kicks off at Glenhafod Park at 2.15pm on Saturday.
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