NANTLLE Vale have plenty to do in order to pull off a monumental JD Welsh Cup upset this weekend.

The Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One side welcome in-form Colwyn Bay for a hugely intriguing second-round clash on Saturday, which is one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history and represents a significant challenge for Danny Bell’s side.

Sports reporter Dean Jones selects five key components that Vale must handle correctly to give them a chance of success in the tie.

Stop Tom McCready:

The Bay skipper has arguably been the best performer in JD Cymru North this season and he will look to make a significant impact in order to see his side progress to the third round stage.

Keeping him in check and preventing McCready from dictating play too much from the middle of the park will be crucial for Vale, especially considering they are set to be without the ball for long periods of the tie.

That might be easier said than done given the former AFC Fylde man’s qualities on the ball, but pressing him early and often could upset his early-game rhythm, which could be crucial.

The Mitch Bryant threat:

Bryant took his time to adjust to the Welsh domestic system but has thrived during the Seagulls’ electrifying run of form.

Cutting off his service is another element that could have a positive impact for the home side, because any chance Bryant gets he is more than likely to convert it given how well he has fared in front of goal recently.

He is an imposing figure who is equally adept at bringing others into play both on the floor and aerially, which is sure to give the Vale defenders all they can handle during the tie.

Set-piece awareness:

In addition to their considerable threat from open play, Craig Hogg’s side are also a force to be reckoned with from set-pieces and this will need to be monitored closely if Vale are to pull off an upset.

The likes of Damian Ketley, Darren Thornton and Will Bell pose a significant threat in the air at any given opportunity, and the quality of delivery from Sion Edwards and McCready is another thing that can cause considerable problems for the third-tier side.

Vale will also need to be extremely careful with their tackling outside the area, as McCready’s ability to hit the target from long range is sensational.

Wide area problems:

A lot of Bay’s good work comes from wide areas, and the likes of Edwards, Julian Williams and Alex Downes can really hurt you if you give them time and space to produce.

They also have a number of talented youngsters such as Morgan Owen who can cause havoc from the flanks, and this is perfect for Bryant, Ketley and Joe Chaplin to feed off during contests.

Vale must make sure they are rigid, organised and restrict space in these areas, particularly in the final third.

Match physicality:

Do not let Bay’s slick passing style fool you, they can also mix it physically with anyone and will undoubtedly be more than up for the challenge if Vale choose to go down this particular avenue.

Bell’s men also like to get the ball down and play the right way, but there is no telling what conditions will be like given the continuous poor weather across the region that could see the cup clash develop into a war of attrition.