DERBIES don't come much more local than a border clash between two clubs just 2.5 miles apart so Saturday's Welsh Cup second round tie promises to be a Bonfire Night-ever cracker.
Saltney Town, who are the visitors to the Hollingsworth Group Stadium, were thrilled to be paired with the Wingmakers after pipped Coedpoeth 3-2 and then recording a very impressive 6-0 success over Llanrwst United in the first round.
The visitors' form has been mixed as they crashed to a 6-0 defeat at Buckley Town in the FAW Trophy, but they recovered to again defeat Coedpoeth United 3-0 in the league last Saturday.
"I look at previous winners and I honestly believe this club has the capabilities to win the trophy," says manager Andy Thomas who suffered heartache in the final against TNS two years ago.
"I know that this year our chances are not as high as the big teams in the Welsh Premier League, but we will give it our best shot which starts on Saturday against difficult opponents. We know this will be like a cup final for Saltney and they will come here and work extremely hard. We must match their work rate and be equally as competitive as ability alone will not guarantee us a place in the third round."
The tie will be the biggest challenge yet for the Bordermen's temporary management duo Marc Edwards and Darren Meredith, the club stalwarts who stepped into the breach when Jake Gibbons stepped down last month.
“As I live in the closest house to Airbus, spent five years in their academy and am now in my fifth year with Saltney, it goes without saying that I am very excited for this game," says Saltney’s club captain Ben Evans.
It's a massive occasion for us and all the boys will be excited, as all our friends and family are local to the area and games like these don't come around very often.”
