Penrhyncoch boss Gari Lewis admits the draw has not been kind to his side who head to Ammanford in Saturday’s first round of the Nathaniel Cup (2.30).

After five home friendlies, the Roosters face a tricky cup excursion to their Cymru South hosts whose highly-rated line-up may include new signing Lee Trundle, the former Swansea City and Wrexham forward.

And Lewis says it will prove an early test for his charges who continued their pre-season with an entertaining 3-3 draw against Cwmamman United at Cae Baker last weekend.

Stef Davies bagged two of the goals on 18 and 71 minutes for the depleted Roosters, and triallist Lance Jones got the third on 85 minutes before the visitors salvaged a share of the spoils with a late reply.

Lewis, who missed the game due to a wedding, said: “Again we had five or six missing, but it was big minutes under the belt for those that did play.

“By all accounts it was a very good, competitive game, and I was just sorry I couldn’t be there.

“The season has soon come around. It’s a bit early to be starting on Saturday, and the biggest worry at the moment is getting everyone signed on with the new system we have this season.

“It’s a very tough draw for us away from home. We don’t have much luck with cup draws, but we will give it a good shot against a very strong, ambitious club and see where it takes us.”

The Roosters have their selection problems with striker Stef Davies unavailable for the cup tie, and also the first league game at Llanrhaeadr in the newly named Cymru North on Saturday, August 17.

Defender Jon Foligno has a badly bruised shin, while keeper Leigh Jenkins was replaced by ex-Aberystwyth Town stopper Richard Morgan last weekend due to injury, but is expected to be fit for the cup tie.

Penrhyn complete their build-up to this month’s Cymru North campaign with a home friendly against Llanidloes Town on Tuesday night before making the trip to Ammanford on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Roosters are vying with Llanidloes to sign former Caersws captain Lance Jones who is likely to make his decision after Tuesday’s game between the sides.

“Penrhyncoch reserves went down 3-0 to their Cwmamman counterparts in their friendly last weekend.