COMPETITIVE football returns in Gwent this afternoon when Cwmbran Celtic and Trethomas Bluebirds lock horns in round one of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

The Cymru South rivals clash at Celtic Park (kick-off 12.30pm), where Simon Berry is in charge for the first time after succeeding club great James Kinsella.

The Bluebirds aim to hit the ground running after winning the Ardal South East title last season to earn promotion.

Mark Dunford’s side start their league campaign next weekend when they travel to Llantwit Major, who host Newport City this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Steelmen also earned promotion from Ardal SE after winning a promotion play-off and the ambitious Spytty Park side head west after enjoying a pre-season camp in Valencia.

Cwmbran or Trethomas will entertain the winners of the tie between Baglan Dragons and Swansea City while City would host Cardiff Met of Cymru Premier in the second round on the weekend of August 2.

Newport County AFC’s academy have entered the competition as a wildcard and were placed in the northern section.

The young Exiles will travel to Llandudno Town of Cymru North (kick-off 5pm) in what promises to be a valuable experience. If they triumph in the north then they will host either Penrhyncoch or Guilsfield at USW Sports Park.

County will hope for better fortunes than their first round tie three years ago when they suffered a 5-0 defeat away at Llanelli Town.

Llandudno enjoyed a cup run by reaching the Welsh Blood Service League Cup Northern final last season, but they have been knocked out of the Nathaniel MG Cup in the first round in three of the last four years.

Meanwhile, the draw has been made for round one of the League Cup (southern section).

Newport City will host Llanelli Town, Cwmbran Celtic entertain Taffs Well and Trethomas Bluebirds have home advantage against Caerau Ely, with ties to be played on the weekend of August 30.