JOHN HASELDIN insists that the pressure is off Holywell Town as they entertain a Gresford Athletic side looking to right the wrongs of the weekend.

While the Wellmen were celebrating their first Welsh National League Premier Division success of the season after beating Cefn Albion 5-2, Gresford slipped to a third defeat in four Cymru North outings as Llanrhaeadr grabbed a 1-0 win.

And Haseldin knows Gresford will head to Halkyn Road tonight, 7.30pm kick-off, determined to bounce back with cup success.

“We are looking forward to it, we are unbeaten and we want to try and keep that run going,” said the Holywell boss.

“Gresford have got the strongest squad they’ve ever had and they should be beating us, so we know we need to raise our game.

“When Gresford have been beaten they usually produce a reaction, so after a bad result at the weekend, we have to be ready for the challenge.

“But there is no pressure on us. The league is our priority, but that’s not to say that we won’t be putting out a side that’s good enough to try and win.”

Sam Jones, who has re-signed for the Wellmen, will miss the tie through suspension, while Phil Lloyd and Paul Williams are unlikely to start and Danny Desormeaux is doubtful.

Visiting Gresford could hand starts to new signings Adam Hesp, Jon Hill-Dunt, Kyle Thomas, Aaron Edwards and Ryan Williams as director of football Steve Halliwell looks to bounce back from Saturday’s loss at Llanrhaeadr.

Hill-Dunt will compete with Ben Jones for a place between the posts for Gresford, Halliwell explaining: “Ben is our number one and Jon has come in as number two, and he knows that.

“Ben has the shirt and it’s his to lose, and it’s great to have competition for places.”

Mold Alex and Coedpoeth also go head-to-head in the second round tonight, 7pm kick-off.

Alex manager Mike Cunningham will be eager to see his side build on the weekend’s impressive 5-1 thumping of Queen’s Park.

Kevin Day, Lee Jones and Lee Emberton are doubtful for Mold, who could hand starts to George Thomas, Tom Burrows and Nathan Lavender.

Mold and Holywell, meanwhile, have been handed home ties in the Welsh Cup second qualifying round. Castell Alun Colts head to Mold, while Holywell entertain New Brighton Villa.

There are some eye-catching North East section ties as Cefn Albion face Chirk AAA, Penycae visit Llay Welfare, Rhos Aelwyd head to Brymbo and Saltney clash with Rhydymwyn.

Queen’s Park will visit Cefn Mawr Rangers, Greenfield clash with Plas Madoc, Mynydd Isa travel to Denbigh Town and Coedpoeth face Llandyrnog.