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The third round draw of the FAW Amateur Trophy has been made, as holders Trethomas Bluebirds open their campaign with a local derby match.

The draw for the second biggest cup competition in Wales was split between the north and south, with 72 clubs in the south pot – nine of which are from Caerphilly County Borough.

Trethomas Bluebirds, Risca United, Aberbargoed Buds, Abercarn United, and Treowen Stars all enter the competition in this round, after having a bye through the first two rounds due to playing in the third division of Welsh football.

For the Bluebirds, their cup defence begins with a very tricky opener away to Aberbargoed Buds in an unlikely derby match so early on in the competition.

Trethomas famously lifted the Amateur Trophy last season, after beating Denbigh Town in the final 2-1.

The Bluebirds are flying this season, having won every game in every competition. They’ll be looking to keep that 100% record against a dangerous Buds side who have bounced back to form after releasing their manager after seven games.

Risca United kick-off their campaign with a home tie against Clydach Wasps. On paper, it should be a comfortable game for the Cuckoos, with the Wasps struggling in the Gwent Premier League having won just one game from seven this season.

Treowen Stars will also host their opening game, as they welcome Goodwick United, who make the long trip from Fishguard.

The Stars have had a fairly uninspiring start to their league campaign. They sit ninth in the Ardal South East with three wins.

On the other hand, Goodwick have had a very impressive season up to now. They are undefeated in Pembrokeshire Division One.

Abercarn United will travel to Swansea University in their first game. It’s been a difficult start for Abercarn, who only have five points after six games. They’ll face a Swansea side in an equivalent league in what should be a very evenly matched encounter.

Caerphilly Athletic will be hoping for a better result than the last time they travelled to Cardiff Airport, in another unlikely league match-up.

Caerphilly stormed into the third round of this competition after beating local rivals Cwrt Rawlin 10-0, but will face much tougher opposition in Cardiff Airport, who beat them 5-3 when they last met in August.

For Aber Valley, they’ll be making a trip to Bridgend where they face Llangeinor. Aber narrowly secured their place in the third round after beating Pantyscallog Village 5-4 on penalties.

Their opposition this time plays two divisions below them in the Division One West, meaning it should be a comfortable win for the visitors if they turn up.

Newbridge Town have been drawn at home against Swansea-based side Plough Colts. Newbridge have had a strong start to the season, and made it through to this round with a 1-0 win over Thornwell Red & White FC.

Finally, Wattsville FC will be looking to turn their form around when they welcome Cardiff Bay Warriors. Wattsville are lingering in the bottom end of the Gwent Premier Division on four points.

The Warriors aren’t exactly high-flying themselves in the South Wales Alliance League Division One West, meaning that one could also go the distance.

All games will be played over the weekend starting Friday October 27. Visit the FAW’s website to see the other third round fixtures.