THE first round of the JD Welsh Cup takes centre stage on Saturday.

Among the ties of the round takes place at Tanllan with Llanrhaeadr hosting JD Cymru North leaders Prestatyn Town.

Coach Marc Griffiths hoped the club could rekindle the past magic of the cup but conceded the draw had not to be kind to the villagers.

“We have upset the odds before and will be giving our all to do it again,” said Griffiths. “The club loves the Welsh Cup and the players want a good run this season.”

Tom Evans, Dave Weaver and Tom Bailey miss the tie but Sam Thomas returns to contention.

JD Cymru North rivals Guilsfield have home advantage for the visit of Wrexham League side Brymbo.

Director of football Nathan Leonard warned his players to expect a tough afternoon.

“Brymbo will come with no fear and we will not be underestimating them,” said Leonard. “We know what it’s like to be underdogs so we must work hard and ensure we give them no belief by being sloppy.

“This club loves the Welsh Cup and want another run this season.”

Penrhyncoch host South Wales League Two side Cardiff Corinthians to Cae Baker with the match representing the Roosters’ first home cup draw in two years.

Manager Gari Lewis said: “We will be showing them total respect and I expect a huge challenge.”

Lance Jones continues his suspension with defender Jon Foligno also ruled out.

Meanwhile Llanfair United his the road for Wrexham League One side Mynydd Isa Spartans.

Manager Rhys Stephens said: “They had a good win last round and from what I’ve found out it will be a tough test.

“However we’ve got to go into the tie believing this can be the start of another good cup run for the club.”

Elsewhere Llanidloes Town lead the MMP-NL Mid Wales League challenge with the Daffodils making the trip to South Wales League Two side Trefelin.

A club spokesman said: “We know very little about them but we know they are a proper club with a lovely set-up.

“We are taking a bus down and looking forward to making new friends which is what this wonderful cup is all about. We never know which section of the draw we will be included so the Welsh Cup is always a hotbed of unknown quantities.

“It will also be interesting to compare the standards of the third tier in Mid and South Wales.”

Caersws also hit the road with the villagers making the trip to North Wales Alliance One side Greenfield.

Assistant manager Gareth Jones called upon the squad to start fulfilling their potential.

“It’s a talented group which has not shown its true potential this season,” said Jones.

“This club has experienced magical cup runs in the past and we want the lads to have a run this season but we have to be clinical in front of goal and more decisive in defence.”

Four Crosses face one of the sternest tests of the round with a trip to JD Cymru Northside Flint Town United.

Mike Barton watched the Deesiders battle to a 3-2 win at Llanrhaeadr on Saturday with the Crosses manager impressed.

“They are big and aggressive and play a very direct game,” said Barton. “We will have to be on top of our game but as always will be giving it a good go.”

Crosses travel without captain Kyle Wilson and the experienced Jamie Evans.

Waterloo Rovers entertain Mold Alexandra with spokesman Dave Proctor backing the Welshpool side to stage an upset.

“They are having a good season like ourselves so it should be a good game though we start as underdogs,” said Proctor.

Montgomery Town make the trip to the farthest reaches of North Wales with Holyhead Hotspur their first round hosts.

Manager Luke Williams said: “We are looking forward to the challenge and go into the weekend full of confidence and with no pressure on the lads.”

Aberaeron travel to South Wales League One side Aberbargoed Buds with manager Alan Foligno looking to continue the club’s revival.

“We will be prepared and look to build on recent form,” said Foligno.

Meanwhile Penparcau make the trip to South Wales League Two side Abertillery Bluebirds.

The first round tie represents the furthest the Aberystwyth club has progressed for more than a decade with the club determined to enjoy their day.

Manager Andy Evans said: “This is where the club wants to be.

“It’s a money spinner with much needed financial rewards for clubs at our level which goes a long way to developing facilities and putting clubs on the football map

“We are hoping for a win and a draw with one of the big teams in the next round.”

The draw is completed by Builth Wells’ home clash with South Wales League One side Ton Pentre and Llandrindod Wells’ trip to JD Cymru South side Llantwit Major.