COLWYN Bay host league rivals Ruthin Town in Round Three of the Welsh Cup at the 4 Crosses Arena on Friday evening.

Seven of the club's previous eight cup games since returning to Welsh football at the start of the 2019-20 season have been away from home, including the win over Gresford Athletic in the last round.

Bay haven’t had a home cup tie since their 1-0 win over then Cymru Premier side Airbus UK Broughton in December 2019, which secured a place in the last 16.

"By law of averages at some point we had to get a home cup tie,” Bay manager Craig Hogg said.

“First and foremost we’re really happy to have a home tie but I don’t think it really matters who you draw at this stage. All teams have earnt the right to be there.

“Ruthin will also fancy their chances of progressing in the competition. They showed when they beat us earlier in the season that they are a good side.”

Bay will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing 4-1 loss at high flying Airbus UK last Saturday in which James Kirby scored his first goal since joining last month.

"We haven't performed to the levels we can and we were a shadow of what we are capable of,” Hogg said.

"That is the biggest disappointment for us, especially in a big game against a top placed side in the league.

"There were a couple of changes to our starting 11 due to illness and we will have assess those players this week heading into a very important Cup game on Friday night. "We need to be better and I'm certain we will be.”

Hogg is hoping for another big crowd at the 4 Crosses Arena for the JD Welsh Cup tie with over 700 in attendance for the 3-2 league win over Prestatyn Town in their last league game.

“The support was immense - it was incredible,” Hogg said.

“The noise when the goals went in sent shivers down my spine

“The fans can play their part yet again this Friday night and in turn we want to give them a performance and result they can be proud of.”

Tickets cost £8 for adults, £4 concessions and students, £3 for under-16s and £2 for under-12s.