That the Double – FA Cup – Welsh Cup – On the Road in my Armchair

Brecon Corries failed in their attempt to extend their run in the Welsh Cup after their trip to Cardiff ended in a 4-0 to Caerau Ely who now reached the fourth round. While in the FA Cup Sheffield United progressed into the third round with a 1-0 home win against Oldham.

What a difference a competition makes because while there are some match reports and lots of other FA Cup news flying about in the English/national press the same can’t be said of the Welsh press. In Wales, information is very sketchy about the Welsh Cup which is very annoying for someone who would like to see Welsh football given a high presents in the media.

I could find nothing about Caerau Ely win but for a paragraph on the official FAW website in the local paper the South Wales Echo’s website there was not a word. It goes without saying I had no real trouble locally or nationally finding reports on Sheffield United. Yes, I understand the difference between the two team’s footballing profile and footprint in the world but the FAW needs to wake up and promote the Welsh Cup it’s there competition.

The fourth round Welsh Cup draw was made yesterday live on S4C with Caerau Ely facing a trip along the M4 where Welsh Premier League team Port Talbot lay in wait. The only other Cardiff based club Cardiff Met University ended the hopes of the underdogs STM Sports in a capital-City derby at their ground at the Cyncoed Sports facility on Saturday and now face a trip to Afan Lido’s Marston Stadium, Aberavon. The two Cardiff clubs will be playing less than half a mile away from each other with the two home teams local rivals with no love lost between their fans.

My team in the FA Cup may be Sheffield United, which I am obliged to follow, but it is the third round my team Cardiff City entered the fray. The draw was live on BBC 2 and actually took in the Welsh capital at the Welsh Sportsman of the Year awards. After a wait out came Manchester United and next out was Sheffield United I was on my knees in seconds praying of a Sheffield win because I truly hate Manchester United.

On the home front, Cardiff City will have to wait for a replay between Grimsby and Shrewsbury to see whom they will face at the Cardiff City stadium. A chance to progress if manager Russell Slade is interested in any kind of a cup run.