EVERYONE loves slaying giants in the cup, but will it make it to FC Queen’s Park, Hawarden Rangers, Flint Mountain or Chirk AAA this weekend?
What a day it will be in the Dunks when North East Wales League standouts FC Queen’s Park host Cymru Premier League strugglers Airbus, yet to claim a win in Welsh football’s elite division !
Heading into the tie, Park boss Dave Evans said: “It’s a halftime game.
“We know that fitness will be a big influence in the second half. My players play at this level due to work and life commitments.
“My challenge is to make this a half game and see where we are at half time.
“Whatever we can take in our freshest moment.”
Evans is backing his team to score, adding: “We went out and tried to match them for 45 minutes before fatigue sets in and we go from there.
“I support my team to score, and I challenge them to score first.”
For Airbus, attitude will be key to making sure they get through it safely.
Joint caretaker boss Mark Allen said: “Obviously we have to treat them with the respect they deserve when we start.
“It’s a break from the league and we hope to progress in the cup as far as we can.
“I hope they will come to us and give everything they have. I hope they come with all guns blazing.
“We have to make sure that our attitude is correct.”
Flint Mountain will have their first chance to make an impact when they host Huw Griffiths’ Caernarfon Town at Essity Stadium tonight.
“It’s a great game for the club against one of the biggest clubs in Welsh football,” said Flint manager Aden Shannon.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for the guys, but as long as we get the basics of the game right and stick together, who knows?
“I will make sure we are up for the challenge.”
Knowing her team is against it, Shannon describes Griffiths (pictured left) as one of the best bosses in Welsh football.
“Not only do they have some fantastic players, but, to me, they have one of the best coaches in the league,” added Shannon.
“I have a lot of respect for Huw and his coaching staff, but I still hope I can top them!”
Hawarden Rangers are preparing for their biggest game in years at Gladstone Playing Fields.
“The magic of the Welsh Cup is back at Gladstone and it doesn’t need much publicity with the visit of Welshman Prem Bala,” said boss Andy Butler.
“I hope for a good result to support the boys in what will be a great occasion for the club.
“We have nothing to lose and we are really going to enjoy the challenge. Having experienced some good runs in the Welsh Cup as a player, it can really be an exciting experience and an opportunity for players to be a part of.
“Weirder things have happened and you never know what can happen in the cup.”
Chirk AAA host Cymru Premier League leaders The New Saints and boss Andy Pryde said: “It’s going to be a good challenge, especially for the locals.
“It’s the same kind of enthusiasm we had for Bala’s match (in the Welsh League Cup).
“We have to respect TNS, but the players must be among them immediately.”
Jack Edwards, who has impressed so far this season, is not available.