ABERTILLERY Bluebirds will have a big JD Welsh Cup upset in their sights tomorrow when they face last season’s runners-up Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Gwent club’s biggest match ever.

Almost 50 places separate the Bluebirds and Nomads in the league ladder, making the third-round tie at Abertillery Sports Centre a proper David versus Goliath encounter (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Bluebirds’ visitors were leading the JD Cymru Premier until Tuesday night and will arrive in the south as firm favourites to reach the last 16.

But Lee Thomas’ troops take on Andy Morrison’s men having already won four games – against Dinas Powys, Lucas Cwmbran, Penparcau and Llanidloes Town – in the competition this term.

And while they know the underdog tag will be firmly around their necks, the Welsh League Division Two outfit are dreaming of causing a huge shock.

Former RTB Ebbw Vale boss Thomas is no stranger to success in the Welsh Cup. He was at Hereford United when they overcame Wrexham in Cardiff to win the trophy in 1990.

And he can’t wait to see if the Bluebirds can stun the Nomads and leave their own mark on the historic knockout competition.

“When we saw the draw come out the atmosphere among the lads was electric,” said the 49-year-old from Six Bells. “We had training straight after and everyone was flying.

“It’s the biggest game in our club’s history and there’s going to be a big crowd for it, so it should be a great atmosphere on the day.

“We’re the lowest ranked side left in the competition and they are second in the Cymru Premier, so we know we’re going to have our hands full.

“But I’ve got a great group of lads and if they turn up on the day and play at their best then we could do it.

“I just hope we start the game well and keep it tight, and just be in the tie for as long as we can.

“We’ll just look to give a good account of ourselves and see what happens.

He added: “There is also the bonus of extra prize money if we win, and that would be massive for the club.

“We’ve picked up £1,500 to date and that’s great when you consider the costs of running a club like ours.

“I was thinking about it in work the other night, if we could win this and be in the last 16, it would be unbelievable.

“It would be great for the lads because it’s a real team effort rather than individuals.”

Meanwhile, in the league tomorrow, Cwmbran Celtic travel to Llantwit Major in JD Cymru South looking to bounce back from a narrow 2-1 defeat to Swansea University.

JD Welsh Cup round three ties, tonight – Carmarthen Town v Ammanford, Colwyn Bay v Airbus Broughton;

Tomorrow – Abertillery Bluebirds v Connah’s Quay Nomads, Aberystwyth Town v Ruthin Town, Afan Lido v Llandudno, Barry Town United v Newtown, Cardiff Metropolitan v Pontypridd Town, Cefn Druids v Guilsfield, Flint Town United v Bala Town, Goytre United v Caernarfon Town, Penrhyncoch v Prestatyn Town, Penybont v Porthmadog, Pontardawe Town v Buckley Town, Rhyl v STM Sports, Swansea University v Cambrian & Clydach, The New Saints v Mold Alexandra.