PRESTATYN Town’s pursuit of silverware was formally ended after the Football Association of Wales officially cancelled the JD Welsh Cup.

The JD Cymru North champions were due to take on recently dethroned top-flight title holders The New Saints at the semi-final stage, but the governing body has now taken the “difficult decision” to bring a halt to all remaining cup competitions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

There was a glimmer of good news for Neil Gibson’s men as the FAW confirmed that the prize money from each competition will be divided equally to the remaining participants.

The decision brings an end to the JD Welsh Cup, FAW Women’s Cup, FAW Amateur Trophy, FAW Youth Cup, FAW U16 Girls’ Cup and the FAW Regions’ Cup.

Clubs were informed of the decision on Thursday, July 30, which makes sense from the perspective that teams are already well into the planning stages for the start of the new campaign.

A FAW spokesman, said: “A key consideration by the Cup Board was sporting integrity, in that squads are now changing in preparation for the 2020/21 season and will therefore be different to those competing in the competitions during the 2019/20 season.

"The current Welsh Government regulations continue to prevent clubs from participating competitively and as the pandemic situation continues.

“The available dates to reschedule the competition has also become problematic as the FAW plans for a return to football with the 2020/21 season.”

Gibson’s men are already aiming to retain their crown next term after winning the league in convincing fashion last time around.

They were unable to secure their Tier 1 Domestic Licence from the FAW on appeal, but things look far more promising regarding this issue thanks to Denbighshire county council finally granting planning permission for a new TV gantry.