THE Rock is the place for knockout football with Cefn Druids set to tackle Ruthin Town in the Newfa Challenge Cup tonight and Cefn Albion poised to entertain Bow Street in the Welsh Trophy early next year.

Having had a fixture free weekend, Huw Griffiths’ Druids are set to use the clash with Cymru Alliance outfit Ruthin as a warm up for Friday night’s Welsh Premier League match against Bala Town.

“It’s a chance to play a match and look at combinations of players ahead of the Bala match,” confirmed Griffiths, whose side will be the ‘away’ team despite the tie being staged at The Rock.

“We’re obviously playing Friday night, so we have to look after some of the players a little bit, but the Ruthin match is one we want to get a positive result from.”

Neil Ashton is expected to feature after missing over a month through a combination of injury and suspension, while playmaker Alec Mudimu has returned from international duty with Zimbabwe and could play some part.

Griffiths may also give minutes to midfielder trio Ilan Ap Gareth, Jordan Evans and Virgil Moutaud as he looks ahead to the January transfer window.

“I am going out looking at games,” said Griffiths. “It’s not about trying to watch loads of matches, but watching the right ones.

“Everyone is looking for the same sort of players and hopefully I can try and find the right ones.”

And The Rock will also stage Cefn Albion’s round five Welsh Trophy encounter with Bow Street on Saturday, January 12.

Albion’s reward for toppling fellow Welsh National League outfit FC Nomads 6-2 is a home clash with Mid Wales League Bow.

Joining Albion in the fifth round were Plas Madoc and Corwen, who have also both been handed home ties.

Plas Madoc, 5-2 victors over Mynydd Llandegai, will entertain Berriew, while Corwen host Pwllheli having dumped Glan Conwy out of the competition at the weekend.

Bodedern, who knocked previous winners Chirk AAA out of the competition on Saturday, host a Four Crosses side that overcame last year’s beaten finalists Rhos Aelwyd.

In the other north section tie of the round, Llanrug United tackle Llangefni Town.

South Section: STM Sports v Ynysddu Welfare or Ynyshir Albion; Grange Albion v Penydarren; Pontardawe Town v Swansea University.