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 FAW Premier Cup guide |
The Martyrs will lose out on £3,500 of prize money after tests showed the lights at their Penydarren Park ground did not meet the minimum level of 250 Lux.
Colwyn Bay were the next in line to replace Merthyr but - in common with Connah's Quay and Caernarfon - have also failed a floodlights test.
The vacant place now goes to NEWI Cefn Druids, who finished 14th in the Welsh Premier last season and will be included in the Premier Cup draw for the first time in the competition's history.
Although the top 12 clubs in the Welsh Premier qualified automatically for the BBC-sponsored competition, new rules introduced for this season specified a minimum floodlight intensity of 500 Lux. However, after discussions with the sponsors and member clubs, it was agreed the light level would remain at 250 Lux.
Both Bangor City and Newport County were able to take measures to achieve this.
"This will be a great boost to the lads ahead of Friday’s match," says Druids' chairman Brian Mackie.