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It was a busy weekend for Caerphilly County Borough’s football clubs, as qualifying for the FAW Welsh Cup replaced most league bouts.

The result of the weekend fell to Aber Valley, who travelled to Ardal South West side Pontardawe Town.

In a seven-goal thriller, Christopher Crane opened the scoring before the hosts responded through captain Thomas Davies.

Two quick goals from Jacob James and Nathan Radzimierski gave Aber a 3-1 lead heading into the break, just before Joshua Dorward grabbed one back before the whistle.

With a few minutes to go, Pontardawe levelled things through Will Richards, only for the visitors to send their bench into pandemonium thanks to a Lewis Tomlins belter to win the match.

Cascade had an even tougher match away from home up-against former Cymru South opposition in Abertillery Bluebirds.

In another close match, Cascade opened the scoring thanks to John Edwards before Nathan Tunley equalised a minute later.

Cascade took the lead once again through Calum Duncan, but goals from Cameron Burgham and Ben Taylor Jnr meant the hosts claimed a 3-2 win and progress to the next round.

Risca United were all smiles in the sun as they faced Seaside AFC at home in Ystrad Mynach.

After a difficult start to their Ardal South East season, a confidence booster was needed and delivered firstly through a Callum Hutton goal.

The hosts scored two more thanks to Lloyd Oliver and Alfie Hutton to make it 3-0 on the day.

Caerphilly Athletic faced higher league opposition in Swansea University, and took it all the way thanks to a John Harding goal.

The visitors were pegged back through a Kelly Mason equaliser before the match went to penalties. A couple of misses meant Caerphilly lost-out though.

It was an afternoon to forget for Bargoed who travelled to Swansea to face St Josephs FC.

Goals from all over the park including hattricks for Zach Jones and Kyle Copp meant the hosts ran-out 13-0 winners on the day and safely make the next round.

Finally, Cwrt Rawlin also had a difficult Saturday away to Cardiff Bay Warriors.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead through a Jack Harvey brace, it wasn’t enough, and Cardiff Bay made light work of Cwrt Rawlin eventually winning 7-3.

There were non cup games played elsewhere, as Machen hosted Aberbargoed Buds in a Gwent Premier Division match.

It was a close affair between the two borough sides, with Nathan Morgan opening the scoring for the Buds.

Goals from Machen’s Tyler Kidley and Daniel Lewis though meant the hosts claimed the three points in the end.

Elsewhere in the division, Pontymister drew 1-1 with Panteg thanks to a late Warren Derraven equaliser.

There were a couple of other Caerphilly sides also in action, starting with Cefn Fforest who matched-up against Caerleon. It was a tough one on the road however, and the visitors lost 8-0 in the end.

There was better news for Wattsville however, who played Lucas Cwmbran at home.

They won 4-0 on the day thanks to goals from Johnathan Smith, Garin Davies, and a Joseph McAllister brace.

Finally, it was a close game between Trinant and Alway. The hosts just missed out however, losing 1-0 through a Kyron Tolland finish.