GRESFORD ATHLETIC will be looking for revenge as they head to Cymru North rivals Ruthin Town this evening.
The sides met in the league last weekend and a hat-trick from Harry Martin helped Dave Evans’ Ruthin to record a comfortable 4-0 success.
Gresford boss Eddie Maurice-Jones said: “A nice distraction from the league and hopefully a chance to put things right from last Friday.
“We know exactly what to expect from a well-organised Ruthin, who battled for every ball.
“We have to cut out the individual mistakes that are gifting teams easy chances and be harder to play against.”
Gresford, the cup runners-up in 2023, will be without Josh Griffiths and Joe Nelson.
Cup holders Flint Mountain head to Alyn Park to take on Mold Alex in what will be a repeat of last season’s final.
Mold moved into the Cymru North top-four with their 1-0 triumph versus Caersws over the weekend.
Holywell Town boss Johnny Haseldin has targeted success in the cups this season and he will be taking his side to Llay Welfare.
“This cup has been really good for us over the last couple of years,” stressed Haseldin.
“We have been able to blood some youngsters last year through the rounds and, obviously, won it the year before.
“We will rotate the squad and bring in some of the younger lads to give them a chance to shine in the first team environment again as we look to progress to the next round.”
Jack Baines-Hughes, Isaac Goundrey, Kieron Feenan, Harrison Doleman and Luka Graham will all be included in the Holywell squad.
It’s about keeping the momentum going and Holywell will be seeking their sixth triumph in a row.
“We haven’t, by our own kind of standards, hit our best form yet,” added Haseldin. “But we have been finding ways to win games. The mentality of the group is really strong.”
Llay boss Phil Hudson said: “It’s a bit of distraction away from the league. We’ll make loads of changes.
“It’s going to be that kind of fixture for us because the league is our priority.
“There’s going to be no pressure on us against Holywell.”
It’s a battle of two league leaders as Cymru North front-runners Airbus host North East Wales Leaguers Hawarden Rangers.
The Wingmakers are flying after recording seven wins out of seven in the league and they may look to rotate the side this evening.
Manager Mark Allen told the club’s website: “I tell the players weekly that all contribute whether they start, finish the game or not play.
“But, yes, it will be a mix of... players as we play Friday too but a few need minutes under their belts and it will be a chance for Academy players to step up.”
Cymru North Buckley Town face a potential banana skin away to North East Wales Championship side Broughton United.
Broughton have been scoring goals for fun of late, while Buckley boss Asa Hamilton is looking for his strikers to find their shooting boots.
He told the club’s X site: “We’re a good team. We’re so close, but it’s just chances.
“We’ve got to start taking them and if we start taking them, then I’ll stop stressing so much!”
Andy Vale is two goals away from hitting the 100 mark for Brickfield Rangers, who head to Corwen.
Vale had already netted 15 goals this season for the Ardal League North East League leaders.
Lex XI will go into their home tie with Rhostyllen full of confidence.
Ricky Evans’ side won 6-0 at Overton in the Welsh Trophy on Saturday and they have already beaten tonight’s visitors twice this season.
Evans scored in a Llay Welfare side captained by his brother Steve in the North East Wales FA Veterans Cup.
Mike Pritchard hit a hat-trick in Llay’s 6-1 win over Denbigh Wanderers with Warren Aykroyd-Duckett and Mervyn Thomas also on target.
Queen’s Park won a 5-4 thriller at Hawarden Rangers. Mike Latham and Josh Betteley bagged doubles with Steve Rees also scoring. Matthew Phillips (3) and Lee King-Magee made a real game of it.
Mold Alex needed penalties to see off neighbours Rhydymwyn after their tie ended 1-1. David Jones scored for Mold with Jon Kenworthy replying before Alex won the shoot-out 4-1.
Barry Loughran (2) and Leigh Morris helped Deeside Dragons to a 3-0 triumph over Llandudno Junction while Sam Richardson, Tom Dove and Ben Billington scored in Penyffordd Lions’ 3-1 win at Rhos United.
White Bear beat Gresford Colliery 4-2 thanks to Ryan Dunn (2), Paul Morgan and Matthew Dixon. Chris Bullock and Lee Griffiths hit back.
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