THE third round of the Central Wales Cup takes centre stage on Saturday.

The weekend represents the end of the mid-season lockdown but all fixtures will be restricted to a paltry 50 supporters due to Welsh Government restrictions.

Nine ties have already been cancelled due to player shortages following virus cases or clubs struggling to comply with social distancing restrictions.

It means only a handful of ties will take place - including the tie of the round at the Recreation Ground where Caersws of the Ardal North East League host JD Cymru North side Guilsfield.

Guils manager Nathan Leonard said: “We are really looking forward to the game, the lads are looking fit and strong.

“We won’t be taking Caersws lightly, they have been on a good run of late and have a few players that could easily play at tier two level.

“Defensively we will have to be at our best to keep them quiet but also we have lots of quality to hurt them.”

Leonard has reiterated the club’s desire to win the cup this season to his squad.

He said: “From our first team meeting this season I made sure the lads knew how much we want to win silverware this season.

“I believe we are the best team in the competition but we haven’t won it since 2014 so we have to start performing better in this cup and actually prove to people we are a good team capable of winning trophies.”

Caersws counterpart Mark Griffiths was also relishing the tie.

“It’s a good test for us against a good Guilsfield team,” said Griffiths. “The league is our priority this season but we want a good run in the cup and this is a competition the club has done well in over the years.

“The break came at the wrong time for us really with us in some good form but we go into the game with confidence and the lads are looking forward to playing again.”

Meanwhile Penrhyncoch entertain Builth Wells with the Roosters strong favourites with two leagues separating the sides.

Assistant manager Sion James said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Builth and as always we expect a tough game so we will show them respect they deserve.

“We have a full strength team and the boys can’t wait to get going again.”

County Times: LOOKING FORWARD: Adam Davies in action against Llanidloes earlier this season. Pic: Will Cheshire/FAW.

Llanidloes Town return to action on Saturday. Picture by Will Cheshire/FAW.

Elsewhere Llanidloes Town make the trip to Hay St Marys bidding to capitalise on the home side's selection problems.

A Llanidloes Town Football Club spokesman said: “We’re glad this break is over and we’re looking forward to getting back to playing. It’s a pity only 50 fans will be allowed but we have to get on with it for the time being.

“We finished 2021 strongly and we’re looking to start the new year in the same manner.

“It’s nice to start back with a cup game and the Central Wales Cup is one we’re looking to go all the way in.”

The Daffodils will not be taking the south Powys side lightly.

The spokesman added: “Although we’re playing a team from a lower league and we’re favourites to go through we won’t be taking it lightly.

“We’ve faced Hay many times over the years and looking at their squad they’ve got a lot of quality and we know they will provide a tough challenge.”

Hay go into the tie ravaged by selection problems with Brendan Hackett, Phil Davies, Matty Tong and Will Goodwin injured while Adi Lawford, Richard Meredith and Tom Landon are unavailable.

Elsewhere Kerry bid to avoid a cup upset at MMP-NL Mid Wales League East side Forden United.

A club spokesman said: “The lads are looking forward to getting back to it after the Christmas break.

“We’re missing a few with covid but hopefully we will welcoming a few new faces into the squad ahead of a tricky cup tie.”

Abermule host Waterloo Rovers in an all MMP-NL Mid Wales League East clash with both sides among the contenders at the top.

Mid Wales League East side Bishop’s Castle will bid to cause a shock at home to Ardal North East basement side Four Crosses.

The draw is completed by Llandysul’s home tie with Cardigan Town while Llanrhaeadr have been handed a bye after Knighton Town withdrew from the competition.