MEMORIES of a huge shock a decade ago will spur Castell Alun Colts on for a big North East Wales FA Challenge Cup quarter-final this evening.

The North East Wales League Premier Division outfit are certainly the underdogs as they travel to Cymru North title-favourites Holywell Town for a last-eight showdown.

However, nobody gave the Colts much hope of progressing from this stage 10 years ago.

Club secretary Gareth Crewe said: “Our young team are very much looking forward to the tie and looking to repeat an amazing feat in a NEWFA Cup quarter-final 10 years ago when we travelled to Flint Town United and came away with a 2-1 victory. Probably our best ever win.

“However, this task will prove much tougher, but we shall enjoy the experience.”

Holywell, who have lost just once in Cymru North all season, are looking to repeat the trick from last season, when they lifted aloft the North East Wales FA Challenge Cup.

Tom Bibby’s double, plus one from Kai Edwards, saw Johnny Haseldin’s Wellmen defeat Gresford Athletic in the final.

Castell Alun were drawn out at home for the tie, but Crewe added: “We have transferred the game to the Achieve More Stadium as the game has to be played under floodlights.

“We face a very daunting task and will be without injured duo Rhys Williams and Alister Belk, also Ben Bailey who is on holiday.”

For Holywell boss Johnny Haseldin, he’d quite like to get his hands on the North East Wales FA Challenge Cup once again.

Looking ahead to tonight, he said: “We’re glad to be at home to the tie, but we know Castell Alun won’t be travelling just to make up the numbers.

“We’ll have to make sure we battle well on the night to get the result.”

Castell Alun are one of three North East Wales League clubs left in this season’s competition, with Championship FC Plas Madoc and Premier Division Rhostyllen, who head to Mold Alex tomorrow evening.