Caernarfon and Flint eye Welsh Cup and European spot

A place in next season's Europa Conference League is the prize when Caernarfon Town and Flint Town United meet in Sunday's JD Welsh Cup final.

Caernarfon will be appearing in the final for the first time in their history while Flint's only appearance in the final was in 1954 when they beat Chester 2-0.

The New Saints and Connah's Quay Nomads, who contested the last two finals, were knocked out in the third round, making it the most open competition in years.

Newport's Rodney Parade hosts the final, which kicks off at 15:15 BST, for a third successive season.

The Football Association of Wales confirmed in February that the final would be played in Newport despite all four semi-finalists in this season's tournament being from north Wales.

Flint's Jake Phillips will emulate his father Waynne, who was in the Wrexham team which beat Cardiff City in the 1995 final.

Also in that Wrexham team that day was Gareth Owen, whose father Don was part of Flint's Welsh Cup winning side 72 years ago.

"That was a long time ago and not many people are around any more who are part of the club or fans who are aware of that history," Phillips told S4C's Newyddion.

"As a current group of players and staff, everyone would be delighted to bring it back to Flint.

"It's a really great opportunity to create our own history and hopefully on Sunday we'll be fortunate enough to do that."

Caernarfon forward Sion Bradley was an unused substitute when The New Saints beat Connah's Quay Nomads in last year's final at Rodney Parade.

Now back on loan at Caernarfon, Bradley is looking forward to Sunday's game in which his team will have a large following behind them.

"It's a massive occasion, especially for this club getting there for the first time," Bradley said.

"The games against Flint this season have been tough and I think they're in a false position in the league as well.

"It will be a tough game regardless, but hopefully we can get the job done."

• JD Welsh Cup 2025-26

The sides have met twice earlier this season, during the first phase of the JD Cymru Premier campaign.

Caernarfon, who are currently fifth in the Cymru Premier, were held to a 1-1 draw by Flint at home, but the Cofis were 5-2 winners at Essity Stadium.

Victory for Caernarfon would secure their place in Europe for the second time in three seasons with manager Richard Davies describing it as a "golden ticket."

Flint go into the final with their top-flight status hanging in the balance – they are two points above the relegation zone with one game remaining.

The Silkmen's head of coaching Lee Fowler said his side cannot worry about the "anxiety" of a relegation battle on Sunday.