LEE FOWLER has seen a similar pattern for his Flint Town United side when it comes to the Welsh Cup.

The Silkmen tend to make it through their opening encounter in the competition, before they are handed a testing proposition.

That’s the case once more this time around, with Flint preparing for tomorrow’s home tussle with fellow Cymru Premier League outfit Bala Town, one of only two all-top flight ties at this stage of the cup.

“We always seem to win the first round!” said manager Fowler, whose side recovered from a half-time deficit to defeat Cymru North Gresford Athletic in the previous round.”

“In the first year, we got drawn against Bala.”

Flint got the better of Bangor 1876 in the first round last season, before they were paired with eventual winners Connah’s Quay Nomads.

“We haven’t had the luck of the draw like other teams have,” added Fowler, who won the competition when he was a player with The New Saints.

Things have been tricky of late for Flint, with three losses on the bounce in the league, but Fowler admits key moments in matches have ended up costing his side better outcomes.

“Whether it’s a cup or league game, we just need to continue to be better in the moments that cost us,” he added.

“Bala is probably one of the toughest draws in the cup.

“But, it’s a game that if we can get it right, we can get a positive result in it.”

Last time out, Flint suffered a 3-1 defeat to leaders Penybont in the Cymru Premier League, but that only partially tells the story.

Two goals in first half stoppage time from Mael Davies and Chris Venables put Penybont well in control.

Harry Owen pulled one back for the visitors after the break.

“We have come into tier one and TNS, we can’t beat... that’s just facts,” said Fowler.

“But, it has shown this season, we have more than dominated the teams from second down.

“We are going to improve in January, but the capabilities are there in the current squad.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s opponents, Fowler said: “We are creating chances and we know Bala’s threats.

“They’re a strong, physical team and they’re quick on the counter-attack.”

Ben Wynne is out for the tie, while Harley Brindley-Peagram is continuing his recovery from a dislocated knee.

Bala’s hopes of picking up this season’s Welsh League Cup were ended by a 3-1 defeat away to holders The New Saints in midweek.

Sion Bradley’s strike had Craig Harrison’s hosts in the lead by the interval, while George Newell levelled for Bala 10 minutes into the second half.

Aramide Oteh’s doubled managed to seal the deal for the Saints.

The New Saints travel to Cardiff Met tomorrow in the other all-top flight tie.