CHIRK AAA will host TNS in a cross border derby in the second round of the JD Welsh Cup.

The Colliers will take on the Oswestry side on the weekend of October 7/8 after sealing their place with a 3-0 first round win at Mochdre Sports.

A club spokesman said: “We’re all thrilled that we’ve drawn TNS at home which gives us a chance to pit our wits against the champions of Wales and current JD Welsh Cup holders.

“Chirk are in good form and hoping to put up a good show against their neighbours.”

While the towns have a long sporting rivalry, the tie represents the first meeting between Chirk AAA and the Saints with the clubs paths not crossing since the latter’s inception following the merger of Oswestry Town and Llansantffraid clubs in 2003.

The match promises to be one of the biggest in Chirk’s recent history with club officials hopeful townspeople will support their local club despite English non-league side Wrexham being at home on the same day.

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A spokesman added: “Although Wrexham have a home game on the same day, Chirk are hoping the local community come out and support the team against the side who have dominated Welsh football for two decades.”

While going into the game as massive underdogs the home side boast one of the richest cup histories of any club in the country.

The club has won the Welsh Cup on five occasions with success in 1887, 1888, 1890, 1892 and 1894.

This golden era remains part of Chirk folklore when Billy Meredith started his football career at the club before playing for Manchester City and Manchester United.

The club also boasted a host of players who would go on to play in the English League having first developed at Holyhead Road.

While such days are long gone the club will hope to take inspiration from the past when the champions of Wales roll into town next month.

Chirk will be hoping to be at full strength after the recent return of both Tom Williams and Matty Williams following injury.

The club is also pressing ahead with the development of their Holyhead Road ground with a new stand being erected to ensure the north east Wales club continues to meet Football Association of Wales ground criteria,