THE road to Sophie Gardens begins on Sunday with the Welsh Cup first round bursting into life.

Glamorgan’s home ground will stage the final of the competition on Sunday, September 1, with a host of clubs from north Wales battling to get there.

Connah’s Quay face a step into the unknown as Newtown visit Central Park, captain Martin Burger saying: “I’ve not played against them before, so it’s about adapting on the day to new players.”

Chirk, meanwhile, have decided to enter the competition after swapping the North Wales League for the Shropshire League.

Andrew Swarbrick’s men head to Mochdre, the skipper explaining: “We didn’t want to lose our connection with the Welsh league, so we decided we should enter it.

“We are excited to play in the competition and visit Mochdre.”

Gresford are also excited to try their luck in the competition, Dan Williams’ men playing host to Division One outfit Dolgellau.

Williams, who is without the likes of Chris Ellwood and Matty Cree, said: “The Welsh Cup is something I’ve been pushing for us to get behind for a few years.

“We’re missing a few players for the game, but it’d be nice to have a good go at it and there is a chance for some of the guys coming back in to score big runs, take wickets and seal a regular place.”

Pontblyddyn entertain second-tier Llay Welfare with the home side eager to progress in this competition - and any other competition they play in.

Captain Glenn Chambers said: “We want to do well in the Welsh Cup, but that’s no different to when we play in the Flintshire Knockout and that Mickey Mouse T20 competition. The aim is always to win any game we play.”

Dale Harley insists that Northop “will go and enjoy” their trip to Liverpool Competition Premier Division outfit Colwyn Bay, while Brymbo, beaten quarter-finalists last season, host Conwy.

James Claybrook, who captained the Wrexham-based outfit to the last eight, where they lost to Ynysygerwn, said: “The Welsh Cup is an opportunity to get some more early season cricket under our belts and get a few lads in form.

“We would love to emulate last season if we can, but it will obviously be a lot harder, although we remain a strong side and who knows what the cup can bring.”

Elsewhere in round one, Prestatyn entertain Denbigh.