We get our 2024 underway with a visit to Montgomeryshire, when we take on Guilsfield FC in the Nathaniel MG Cup on Wednesday (January 3). 

The semi-final encounter has a 7.45 p.m. kick-off time, as the JD Cymru North 8th placed side take on the league leaders from the top flight.

Managed by Nathan Leonard, who is assisted by Jason Brindley, the Guils have a recent history of Park Hall connections, including both loan and ex-players. Certainly, as far as the latter are concerned, they’ll have a point to prove at Clos Mytton on Wednesday.

The sides met in the 2021/22 season, when The New Saints ran out 2-0 winners at Park Hall on February 19. The JD Welsh Cup quarter-final game was settled with goals from Jon Routledge in added time at the end of the first period and Ben Clark with twelve minutes to go.

From the starting XI on that day, only Louis Robles is no longer with the club, while from the substitute’s bench just Alex Denny has departed.

Although the number one ‘keeper at the time, Paul Harrison was also on the bench, as Connor Roberts was in goal as per the competition’s previous rounds.

The policy was to continue, with Harrison ending his TNS career an unused substitute in the 3-2 final win at Cardiff City Stadium against Penybont FC.

Guilsfield’s route to the last four of this season’s Nathaniel MG Cup has seen them beat Caersws (3-1), Newtown (4-3 on penalties after 1-1 in normal time), Bala Town (1-0) and Prestatyn Town (3-0 on penalties after the game ended 1-1).

Craig Harrison has seen his side successfully navigate challenges from Connah’s Quay Nomads (2-1), Porthmadog (4-1) and Gresford Athletic (9-0).

On Wednesday, the home side will be in red and black striped shirts, black shorts and socks, while The New Saints will be wearing green shirts with grey shorts and socks. The goalkeepers will be in all-pink and all-purple respectively.

Huw Jones will referee the game and he will be assisted by Connor Fowler and Richard Dolphin. Nick Pratt is the appointed fourth official.