CONWY Borough welcome Rhyl to Y Morfa on Friday night for a huge early season clach in the Huws Gray Alliance.

The two sides come into the game in contrasting form, with the Lilies looking to get their promotion push back on track and avoid a third consecutive defeat in all competitions.

Gareth Thomas’ men have recovered from a poor start and look to have found their feet at second tier level very quickly, and sports reporter Dean Jones looks at the key battles that could determine the outcome of the clash.

Corrig McGonigle vs Max Peate:

Prolific striker McGonigle has hit the ground running this season, and he already looks like he belongs at HGA level thanks to a string of exceptional displays in front of goal.

He comes up against a formidable adversary this weekend in Peate, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders operating within the division and brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership qualities.

It might be a tough night at the office for the striker, so he must make the most of even the slightest opportunity that comes his way if his side are to emerge successful.

Connor Tierney vs Kristian Pierce:

The powerful and direct Pierce is expected to see a lot of Tierney throughout the contest, and this is another fascinating element to a game that promises to be another great advert for the second tier.

Pierce has everything you would want in a player and he has started his second spell at the Lilies’ in encouraging fashion, with Tierney also making a real name for himself thanks to his tireless engine and quality from wide areas.

Dean Seager vs Reece Fairhurst:

McGonigle may have gathered all the headlines, but Seager’s contribution to the Tangerines’ initial success this season cannot be underestimated.

He has led the line superbly and done a wonderful job of bringing others into play, but in Fairhurst he comes up against a colossal presence at the back who has achieved a significant amount in a relatively short spacer of time.

He is a commanding presence in the air and his diagonal left footed deliveries will also pose a serious threat to the Boro rearguard throughout the game.

Leigh Craven vs James Stead:

Craven is expected to come straight back into the starting lineup for this one, and his experience and ability on the ball is going to a massive asset to have for the home side.

He is very composed and this will be needed when they are under pressure, but he will have to be wary of the class that Stead possesses in order to give his side the best possible chance of succeeding.

Stead has the talent to win a game on his own if he is in the mood, and it would be no surprise to see him turn in the sort of performance that went a long way to securing the title for Prestatyn Town in 2017.