MARK ALLEN is looking forward to a “good occasion” in the third round this evening.

It’s a battle of the undefeated sides as Cymru North leaders Airbus play host to defending Cymru Premier League champions The New Saints.

Craig Harrison’s Saints are the cup holders and Wingmakers’ boss Allen is looking forward to the encounter.

He told the club’s X site: “We’ll have a look at who’s fully fit, injured and we know that’s going to be a difficult game.

“Welcoming an ex-manager back, so it will be a good occasion and we want to test ourselves against the best.

“So, like I say, it’s important we give a good impression of ourselves and, you know, it’s a cup tie and anything can happen.”

There’s the small matter of Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League on the horizon for the Saints, but Harrison (pictured below) has stressed the importance of also concentrating on domestic competitions.

He told the club’s X site: “We’ve got lads who have got very high standards.

“The professionalism is fantastic. You can really trust the boys and they come out and perform and, you know, they get what they deserve.

“We’ve got an opportunity to go and play on as high a stage as possible... in two weeks’ time.

“We’re playing Fiorentina away, but we need to make sure that this bread-and-butter doesn’t get overlooked, because it’s really important.

“Fortunately, we’ve got very good staff and very good players that will keep their feet firmly on the ground.”

Connah’s Quay Nomads will look to end their losing run as they play host to fellow Cymru Premier League outfit Caernarfon Town in the last-16.

Billy Paynter’s Quay have lost their last two league matches, failing to find the target in Sunday’s 1-0 home loss to leaders Penybont.

It’s a quick turnaround of only 48 hours between fixtures, something which boss Paynter has touched upon.

He told the Nomads’ X site: “Play Sunday, so we’ve got a short turn of getting the lads in to recover.

“Demand on the players is probably wrong, but that’s how the fixtures fell.

“So, we shall see what’s best for the group, if there will be changes, if not. It’s one of them.”

Holywell Town will be looking to cause a shock on their travels this evening. Johnny Haseldin’s in-form Cymru North side head to Maes Tegid to tackle top flight Bala Town.

Holywell are on a good run of form at the moment, winning their last seven matches, while Bala ended a two-match losing sequence with their 3-0 triumph over Aberystwyth Town last weekend.

Other ties: Aberystwyth v Llandudno; Cardiff v Merthyr; Penybont v Haverfordwest; Cardiff Met v Goytre Utd; Trethomas v Barry.