PLAS MADOC manager Ryan Roberts has revealed his secret weapon ahead of today’s quarter-final clash at home to Pontardawe Town.

You would have thought the Welsh National League Division One leaders face an unknown quantity when the South Wales side make the trip up north, but not according to Roberts.

“I’ve got a mate who lives down there and played against them in a friendly at the start of the season so I know a bit about them,” said Roberts ahead of the tie that will now be played at Cefn Druids’ The Rock ground because The Muga pitch in Cefn Maewr was waterlogged.

“Craig Evans was a coach at the Wrexham tennis centre and I was in the same team as him at Coedpoeth United a few seasons ago. He says they’re not bad but we’re not either and as I said before the last round, I fancy us against anyone.”

Today’s tie kicks off a massive three game run for Madoc, who can also clinch the Division One title and grab a place in the League Cup final in what would be a fabulous February.

“We are a good team but the lads will never get above themselves,” added Roberts. “They are well grounded but we do play with so much confidence especially at The Muga where we have never ever lost a game.”

Switching to the The Rock will mean playing on a different surface but Roberts added: “It will be a massive achievement for everyone involved at the club to make it through to the semi-finals and we’ll have a good crowd here.”

The same can be said for near-neighbours Cefn Albion, who make the 30 minute trip up the A5 to take on Corwen.

Albion boss Stephen Davies knows Corwen, who are challenging for the Premier Division league title, will be favourites but that will only spur his side on.

“It will be very tough but we’re not frightened at all,” said Davies, whose team will be backed by what will be a good away following.

“The village is buzzing and the fans will be going in their droves to Corwen. They’ll be our 12th man and can really play a big part in what we hope will be a great day for the club.

“When you get this far you want to go all the way to the final and we’ll give it our best shot, as we always do.

“We know they are strong all over the pitch but we turned them over in a League Cup semi-final last year so that will us confidence.”

Cefn defender Paul Griffiths is looking forward to the tie after missing the last round.

He said: “In typical fashion in the lead up to a big game we have some big players unavailable.

“Both Alex Williams and Kien Morris, who are both very important players are unavailable.

“New signing Danny Holland who joins us from Brickfield Rangers is cup tied so he also misses out.

“We are taking at least one coach full of supporters only making the trip to the war memorial so with the cars that head up to the War Memorial Park there will be a a fair share of Cefners in attendance.”

For Corwen, Elystan Hughes and Ryan Billington should shake off injuries to make the starting line-up.

Welsh Alliance title rivals, Llangefni Town, who were knocked out of the Welsh Cup by Llandudno last month, face Bodedern while in the all South Wales affair, Penydarren have home advantage against STM Sports.