THERE was some good fortune for Connah’s Quay Nomads, but Mold Alex will have to do things the hard way if they are to continue their run in the competition.

Andy Morrison’s Nomads were handed a third round trip to the lowest ranked side left in the competition in Abertillery Bluebirds.

Flintshire neighbours Mold Alex, the lowest ranked north Wales outfit, were not so fortunate as they were handed a trip to holders The New Saints.

Flint Town United boss Niall McGuinness failed to get his wish of a trip to south Wales as the Silkmen were paired with Bala for a second successive season.

The Lakesiders won the meeting last term, Colin Caton’s men running out 3-0 victors.

Before then, however, McGuinness will be eager for Flint Town United to maintain their Cymru North title challenge, which continues at Guilsfield on Tuesday night.

And the Silkmen won’t be taking Guilsfield lightly with McGuinness well-aware of the threat posed by a trip to Clos Mytton.

“It’s a pivotal game in our season,” said McGuinness. “Guilsfield away is in the top three toughest games in our league and the lads need to be switched on and prepared for it. If we can get a win it will put us in a good position for the rest of the month.”

Asked why a trip to Guilsfield poses such a problem, McGuinness continued: “They’ve got four or five really good players, a lot of whom were wanted by other clubs but they stuck together, which says a lot about their spirit.

“They are a top six team and you’ve got to be good to break them down, because they stifle teams, and you’ve got to be switched on defensively as they can hurt you.

“I’ve only been twice and drawn one and lost one, so we know it’s a tough test.”

Guilsfield have been dealt a blow before hosting Flint following the news that Nathan Leonard has stepped down from his role as director of football.

A statement on the club’s Twitter feed read: “It is with regret that we announce that the club’s director of football, Nathan Leonard has stepped down from his role at Guilsfield. We would like to put on record our appreciation of Lenny’s commitment, efforts and skills in developing our team over the past years. We wish Lenny all the very best for the future. The club will make a further announcement in due course.”

Guilsfield will come up against Huw Griffiths’ Cefn Druids in round three of the Welsh Cup, while Airbus have been handed a trip to Colwyn Bay, who host Conwy in the Cymru North on Tuesday night.

Buckley, who are preparing for a trip to Rhyl in the Cymru North on Tuesday evening, will head to either Pontardawe Town or Croesyceiliog, while Eddie Maurice-Jones’ Lilywhites, who knocked Queen’s Park out of the competition, face a home clash with either Chepstow Town or STM Sports.

There is an all Cymru Premier tie as Barry Town host Newtown.

Other ties: Aberystwyth v Ruthin; Afan Lido v Llandudno; Cardiff Met v Pontypridd; Carmarthen v Ammanford; Goytre v Caernarfon; Penrhyncoch v Prestatyn; Penybont v Porthmadog; Swansea Uni v Cambrian & Clydach.

Ties will be played on weekend of December 6-8.