RUTHIN Town are looking to party like it's 2017!

Chris Hardy's charges are back on the JD Welsh Cup trail and they will be fancied by many to cause a surprise this weekend.

In the third round of the competition, JD Cymru North Ruthin have been handed a trip to tackle top flight Aberystwyth Town.

Two years ago, Ruthin caused a major stir at this stage of the Welsh Cup when they won 3-0 at then top flight outfit Prestatyn Town.

Gwion Owen netted twice during Ruthin's memorable success, with star striker Llyr Morris scoring the other goal.

Owen will be out through suspension for Saturday's tie, but Morris is expected to create a number of issues for struggling Aberystwyth, who are currently ninth in the JD Cymru Premier standings.

"We go into the game with a bit of a free hit," said Ruthin boss Chris Hardy looking ahead to Saturday.

"We will be going there and we will be giving everything.

"We have got a few clips of Aberystwyth and we have been watching them."

On what will be key this Saturday: "I think it's just the performance - turning up and playing the way we know we can.

"Aberystwyth have had a mixed bag of results and we are hoping to catch them on a bit of an off day.

"We are taking a coach load of supporters there with us.

"They will definitely give us that 12th man factor."

And Hardy is tipping Ruthin to find the target at Aberystwyth.

"I think when you have got someone like Llyr Morris up top, you have always got opportunities to score.

"Everyone knows what he is all about, I think."

Alex Webster is still struggling with an ankle injury and he will be missing for Ruthin, while midfielder Gwion Owen remains out through suspension.

"Gwion's a big miss, but we have got plenty of lads who are ready to step in," added Hardy.

Bala Town face a potential banana skin as they prepare to begin their Welsh Cup tilt.

Colin Caton's side, who memorably won the Welsh Cup back in 2017, face a third round trip to Flint Town United for the second season in a row.

Flint have impressed in JD Cymru North this season and they are second in the table, just two points behind leaders Prestatyn Town.