NIALL McGUINNESS can’t wait for Flint Town United’s tie at home to Cymru Premier title-chasers Bala Town on Saturday.

The Lakesiders ended Flint’s run at the same stage of the competition 12 months ago as well as beating them in the Welsh League Cup.

So there’s a score to settle for McGuinness and Flint, who the boss said have made massive strides since last year’s cup exits.

“I’m really looking forward to it, everyone is and we hope to have a crowd of 300,” said McGuiness, who praised the club’s fans that made the trip to Rhyl to see 10-men Flint win 1-0 in the Cymru North clash a week ago.

“The support at Rhyl was brilliant and we’re trying to show that we’re all in this together at Flint.

“The game against Bala is going to be a good test for us - a chance to see how far we’ve come.

“Last year we played well against them and if we’d have scored when we were bossing the game, it could have been a different story.

“But we are a lot stronger this season - as we proved at Rhyl last week. To play for as long as we did with 10 men, just shows the great character we have in this side.”

Victory at McGuinness’ former club Rhyl completed a perfect November for Flint, who recorded five successive league wins, to take them within two points of leaders, Prestatyn Town.

Former Chester and Connah’s Quay keeper John Danby played his part in last week’s clean sheet and the experienced shot-stopper’s display will be a key factor again tomorrow.

“John’s been a good signing,” added McGuiness. “He’s experienced and he’s been a good addition.

“Yes, he’ll be important against Bala but if the players in front of him stay organised and do their jobs, then maybe he won’t be kept busy.”

Tomorrow’s game comes too early for Flint’s leading scorer Mark Cadwallader with McGuinness saying: “Mark definitely won’t play.

“He’s started doing a bit himself but it would be too much of a risk to throw him in especially when we’ve got a lot of games coming up in December.”

McGuinness knows all about what Bala have to offer - and especially their leading scorer, Chris Venables.

“We know what he’s got and we’ve studied him, watched footage and I’ve spoken to a number of Welsh Premier League managers for advice too.

“We’ll have a plan for him.”

Bala boss Colin Caton, whose side are third in the Cymru Premier table, knows his team will be in for a real test and said: “It’s tough and we had them in the League Cup and the Welsh Cup last season.

“They have recruited this year to push for the league, but it’s going to be difficult for them with Prestatyn going so well.

“If we go there thinking it will be an easy ride, we will get beaten. We have got to be at the races.”

Ruthin Town, will be aiming to spring a shock at top flight Aberystwyth Town.

“A couple of the Ruthin lads phoned me asking about Aberystwyth,” added Caton.

“It will be really difficult. Ruthin have done well in cups over the last few years and they have got to be switched on.”