NEWTOWN will take on Irish giants Dundalk in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

Dundalk are the second most successful club in the League of Ireland's history with 14 league titles and 12 FAI Cups, and the most successful in the Premier Division era.

Newtown will head into the two legged affairs as underdogs against a club which reached the last 16 in 1979–80 European Cup.

They have qualified twice for the Europa League group stage and became the first team from Ireland to both win points and win a match at that level of European competition in 2016–17.

Robins manager Chris Hughes was delighted with the draw.

"Whoever we got we were going to be underdogs, we are excited to be in the competition and look forward to the ties," said Hughes.

"It is not long before the first leg so we will be looking to get some information on them and prepare as best we can.

"Restrictions still being in place means we are limited with what we can do in terms of scouting but we will definitely be prepared."

Supporters of a summer season will finally see whether their calls supported by improved results in Europe as UEFA competitions get underway in July.

It will be the last season Wales is represented by four clubs in Europe after years of disastrous results against continental opposition finally caught up with Wales who will lose a place next season.

Newtown have a solid European record compared to most Welsh clubs and progressed to the second qualifying round of the Europa League in 2015.

Hughes said: "We will look to strengthen ahead of the European game and will also look to bring in some new blood ahead of the new league season.

"We are not sure if the first leg will be at Park Hall or in Ireland yet but hope to get an agreement in place by the weekend."

Meanwhile defender James O'Neill has followed forward Neil Mitchell in departing Latham Park with O'Neill joining Stafford Rangers.

The club play at the 3,100 capacity Oriel Park