STEVE HALLIWELL insists Gresford Athletic will be fully prepared to do battle with a Coedpoeth United outfit smelling blood.

Halliwell’s side have nothing to gain and everything to lose as they lock horns with a Coedpoeth team two leagues below their Cymru North visitors, who head into the encounter on the back of four defeats in five outings.

Gresford produced a hugely encouraging first-half display at Colwyn Bay on Tuesday, but still lost the league clash 3-1, and Halliwell knows Coedpoeth will be looking to take advantage of any weaknesses his side show.

“Nine times out of 10 it’s a game we go and win,” said the director of football. “We need to be prepared for a proper match though, we will be picking a full-strength team because Coedpoeth need to be treated with the respect they deserve.

“This is probably Coedpoeth’s biggest game for a while, it’s a derby, and they will be looking to cause an upset.

“But we need to get some confidence back by quickly forgetting about Colwyn Bay, and we can do that by beating Coedpoeth.

“We need to start picking up wins quickly.”

Coedpoeth boss Karl Fenlon, who knows opposite number Halliwell, is remaining realistic over his chances of victory.

“It is a massive challenge but one we are excited about as a club,” said Fenlon. “Unfortunately, we have nine first team players out with injuries, work and holiday commitments so we are left with a young squad to pick from.

“There will be no pressure on us because they’re expected to win so I’ll send the lads out to play with no fear and to enjoy the occasion.

“I’m sure Steven Halliwell will be up for this one and he knows I will be.”

Jack Jones is expected to make his first start of the season for Gresford, who have Paul Williams available, although there are doubts surrounding Jordan MacCarter.

Like Coedpoeth, Brymbo are also looking to knock out Cymru North opposition as Phil Hudson’s side head to Clos Mytton for a meeting with Guilsfield.

A determined Hudson declared: “All my players are fit and available and we will do our best to do the Welsh National League proud and take a scalp from the league above.”

And that’s exactly the sort of attitude Guilsfield director of football Nathan Leonard expects from the visitors.

“Brymbo will come with no fear and we will not be underestimating them,” said Leonard. “We know what it’s like to be underdogs so we must work hard and ensure we give them no belief by being sloppy.

“This club loves the Welsh Cup and want another run this season.”

Cymru North strugglers Llanfair United are heading to Mynydd Isa Spartans looking to avoid an upset and kick-start a stuttering campaign.

Rhys Stephens’ Llanfair have picked up just two points from a possible 30 this season, and Isa will be sensing an upset.

Stephens said: “They had a good win last round and from what I’ve found out it will be a tough test.

“However we’ve got to go into the tie believing this can be the start of another good cup run for the club.”

Isa are without Mark Atkinson and Harvey Hammersley, while Dane Shorrock requires a late fitness test, but Chris Layne does return.

Boss James Hollyoak said: “It is a very tough game ahead of us but we look forward to it.”

Elsewhere in the competition, Bangor City, Porthmadog and Penrhyncoch will be out to avoid surprise defeats to Nefyn, Llanberis and Cardiff Corinthians.

Ben Heath hopes lady luck shines on Penycae as they look to knock Bangor 1876 out of the competition.

Boss Heath feels Penycae have been short of fortune in recent weeks, and knows the odd rub of the green wouldn’t go amiss as the Wrexham-based outfit tackle Les Davies and Co.

“They have experience in abundance and I played against their star striker Les Davies and he is a real handful and will be a big threat,” said Heath.

“We need a bit of luck after the last three weeks so hopefully this cup is the one to give us it.”

Heath has a full fit squad to select from, with goalkeeper Tom Belton tipped to be a key figure by the Penycae boss.

Of Belton, pictured, Heath added: “He might not be the tallest keeper in the league but he is certainly the most agile.”

Chirk AAA boss Mark Holmes has been handed a timely boost with the return of midfielder maestro Chris Bennion.

Bennion, who will always be remembered for scoring the extra-time winner in the 2017 Welsh Trophy final, will come into contention for tomorrow’s home tie with Llannefydd.

Holmes said: “Chris will add that touch of class and experience to a young squad.”

Harry Jones, who scored four for the Under-19s last week, hoping to be available for Chirk, who are set to welcome back Gareth Roberts, although Joe Roberts faces a late check.