STEVE HALLIWELL believes Gresford Athletic's home clash with Brickfield Rangers is the tie of the Welsh Cup first round.

The Wrexham rivals will go head-to-head at Clappers Lane with Nick Ward's Brickfield, who are targeting promotion to the Cymru Alliance, looking to claim a prize scalp.

Gresford boss Halliwell is ready to embrace the occasion, saying: “It’s certainly a tough draw, but it’s probably thrown up the tie of the round for this region.

“I know there will be a lot of local interest in this one, and I know both sides will be desperate to progress.

“Brickfield have been up there challenging for the last few seasons and they’re throwing a lot of money at it again this year.

“They were able to offer our goalkeeper (Mike Platt) a better deal than we could this season, so we know they’re certainly well funded.

“But we’re at home and that’s a big bonus for us. I love all the cup competitions and this is the biggest of them all in Wales.

“If you can get yourself into the third round and beyond then it can be a real money maker for the football club, which is always a bonus.”

The northern section of the draw has also handed two Flintshire Cymru Alliance sides ties against a pair of Wrexham-based Welsh National League teams with Buckley Town hosting Brymbo and Airbus heading to Penycae.

Airbus are top of the Cymru Alliance, but Penycae boss Ian Andrews is relishing the encounter.

"It's always nice to get a home draw in any cup, Airbus are flying at the top of the Cymru Alliance at the moment so we will be the underdogs on the day," said Andrews.

"It's a great competition to be in and can be rewarding for small clubs like ours, and who knows, there's been a few shock results over the years and maybe we could cause one.

"There will be no pressure on us to get a result, so we'll go out and enjoy the moment."

Mold Alex's reward for beating Chirk AAA at the weekend is a trip to eight time winners of the competition, Bangor City, managed by Craig Harrison, who has lifted the trophy on four occasions.

Alex boss Mike Cunningham is going to meet the challenge head on, saying: "On paper it's probably the draw no team wanted, but our lads are excited about it.

"From a commercial side of things we are disappointed not to be at home, but it's a great experience for our lads to go and play there under no pressure."

Holywell Town will be looking to avoid an upset as they make their way to Mid-Wales League Division One leaders Caersws.

Wellmen boss John Haseldin knows all about Caersws, who have won eight and drawn the other one of their nine league matches since being relegated from the second-tier last term, and is rightly wary of the home side.

"I'm happy with the draw, but obviously would have preferred it at home," said Haseldin, who led Holywell to the semi-finals of the competition in 2014.

"We won't underestimate them as although they are now a league blow, they are back winning games and I expect them to be promoted back to the Cymru Alliance where they belong."

A number of Welsh National League Premier Division sides will be looking to cause upsets with Rhostyllen, Coedpoeth and Corwen tackling Cymru Alliance trio Guilsfield, Ruthin and Holyhead Hotspur respectively.

Cefn Albion will fancy their chances of progressing after being handed a home tie with Dolgellau, while Hawarden Rangers entertain Llanfair.

Llay Welfare will look to avoid an upset against visiting Rhydymwyn, whose fellow Welsh National Division One side, New Brighton Villa, head to Prestatyn Town.

Other northern section first round ties: Berriew v Penrhyncoch; Conwy v Rhyl; Denbigh v Holyhead; Llandudno Albion v St Asaph City; Llandudno Amateurs v Nantlle Vale; Llangefni v Borth Utd; Pwllheli v Porthmadog.

All first round one ties will be played over the weekend of October 19-21.