Welsh Cup: Bangor and Rhyl phoenix clubs eye crack at Europe

Bangor City and Rhyl were synonymous with the Welsh Cup, between them having lifted the trophy on 12 occasions.

But despite the historic rivals being among the biggest names in the Welsh pyramid, financial difficulties saw both clubs follow strikingly parallel paths.

By 2022 both historic clubs were no more, replaced by phoenix clubs having to start from scratch in the bottom tier.

And while neither of the reformed clubs have yet managed to reach the heights of the top-flight, both now find themselves just two matches away from Europe, with the winner of the competition entering the qualifying rounds of the Uefa Conference League.

Bangor City 1876's reward for overcoming Cymru South side Caerau Ely in the last round will be a semi-final clash on Saturday against Cymru Premier side Flint Town United.

And while accepting they're the underdogs, there's also a quiet confidence according to manager Michael Johnston.

Johnston, who spent eight seasons as a Bangor City player, finished his career with the reformed phoenix club, and since 2022 has been in the managerial hotseat.

Last season was one of disappointment for the club, finding themselves relegated from the second-tier Cymru North after a last day defeat against Ruthin Town.

But now flying high in the third tier, having only lost once all season, Johnson is eyeing a potential upset.

"We'll just go in and enjoy the occasion," he said.

"We're the underdogs in this story, we're the tier three team and its unheard of - I know Holywell did it a few seasons ago, but hopefully we can go one better and try and reach the final come Saturday.

"The fans get you over the line, there was 2,800 people watching us in the last round."

While tickets have long sold out for both of this weekend's semi-finals, he said it was "disappointing" that the capacity at Llandudno will mean that such an attendance won't be matched.

"The chairman's [Nick Pritchard] ambition is to reach the top level, if we do manage to achieve a huge miracle and win the cup then he's already achieved a dream of reaching Europe," said Johnston.

"Last season [getting relegated] was awful.

"It was difficult mentally and physically and people were let down, but hopefully we've put a lot of things right this year."

Similarly to Bangor, Rhyl 1879 was established by their supporters in 2021.

Having achieved their latest promotion they now play in the second tier - a level above their coastal neighbours, but still a league below Sunday's opponents and the favourites to win the cup, Caernarfon Town.

"We've got to take this town back into Europe and challenging in the Welsh Prem," said managing director, Adam Roche.

"Just like the old club did, the town demands it and the community - as we saw against Barry [in the quarter final], turned out in their masses.

"As we were starting to allow fans back in after Covid you'd speak to the punters and they were saying how much they'd missed coming to watch.

"You realised that in a town like Rhyl with all its challenges, what football means to the community.

"For a lot of people it's a release, its crucial that we do have a football club."

For striker Archie Jones, who also grew up in the town, its a huge occasion.

"I used to come and watch Rhyl from when I was five," he said. "I can't imagine Rhyl without the football, this stadium was like Anfield when I was a kid!

"A lot of our fans are young and it's good to see them come out, they give us the motivation to perform every week."

But acknowledging the size of their task, he believes they can take heart from knocking out another Cymru Premier side, Barry Town, in the last round.

"It's 90 minutes of football, are they up for it, are we up for it? Anything can happen.

"Its 50-50 I think... it'll be nice to play in front of so many people, I can't wait.

"Bangor would be a bit of a crazy final though, wouldn't it?!"

Marc Lloyd Williams - the Cymru Premier's all-time record goal scorer with 319 goals - believes that the top-flight clubs may have too much in their lockers for both sides, however.

"It's going to be difficult, Caernarfon and Flint are two very good sides," he told BBC Wales.

"Caernarfon have got a considerable squad, Sion Bradley, Brad Young, Zack Clarke, Rio Owen on loan from Wrexham... that attacking threat is unbelievable.

"They'll be strong favourites, but Rhyl did beat Barry in the last round so they've proven they can do it.

"Flint are on an incredible run, they've only lost once in 2026 and, again, Lee Fowler has put together a good squad.

"But again, Bangor have got quality players who should be playing at a higher level. Dion Donohue, Declan McManus, Cai Owen... on their day they're probably a match for anyone.

"And the Bangor Army will be there in droves on the day."