A HUGE clash is in store for the Lakesiders this weekend.

Bala Town, the competition winners in memorable fashion back in 2017, are through to the quarter-finals of this season's JD Welsh Cup.

The last-eight of the competition takes place on Saturday and Bala will welcome fellow Welsh Premier League outfit Cardiff Met to Maes Tegid.

Bala's run through to the quarter-finals has been relatively straight forward, with wins over Flint Town United and Haverfordwest County in the last two rounds.

"They've been comfortable wins in the end, but it will be a different test on Saturday," said team boss Colin Caton.

"They have been outstanding on the day when they have played us this season.

"The league is our priority and the Welsh Cup is a massive bonus.

"But, it's the easiest and quickest way to qualify for Europe.

"All of the top teams always get through and it will be difficult on Saturday.

"They won't like coming to our place, though, and it will be a tough test for them too."

Bala will hope to have Rob Pearson available for the tie, while striker Mike Hayes will be back after work commitments.

Kieran Smith suffered a foot injury versus Newtown last weekend and he was assessed at Connah's Quay on Tuesday.

Last week turned out to be a memorable one for Charlie Caton, the son of the Bala boss.

Ysgol Brynhyfryd pupil Charlie, 16, was a member of the Wales Schoolboys U-18s squad at the 2019 Roma Caput Mundi tournament.

An unused substitute for the opening match against Moldova, Caton came off the bench versus hosts Italy in the next game.

He hit the post with an effort in normal time and then scored his penalty during the shootout at the end of the match, which Italy won.

Caton took his place in the starting line-up versus Greece and he grabbed Wales' first goal from open play.

In the end, Wales ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.