SPORTS reporter Dean Jones returns with his Huws Gray Alliance predictions ahead of the weekend’s action.
Prestatyn Town vs Conwy Borough
Returning Seasiders’ boss will be looking for his side to build on their JD Welsh Cup success last weekend, but they have a formidable adversary in front of them if they wish to pick up three points and possibly move off the basement.
The Tangerines have made a hugely impressive start to life back in the division, and they boast a formidable front-line to add to their resolute rearguard which makes them one of the most balanced teams in the entire HGA.
Friday night’s clash is going to be determined by the slimmest of margins, and it would not be unsurprising to see both sides secure a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Prestatyn Town 2-2 Conwy Borough
Rhyl vs Holyhead Hotspur
The Lilywhites really seem to have turned the corner over the last fortnight, showing the right amount of quality and fight that made them one of the pre-season title favourites.
Their home clash with the Holy Islanders is a far sterner proposition than in previous weeks, with Darren Garmey’s men really hitting their stride of late thanks in no small part to the signing of prolific striker Marc Evans and the return to the fold of talisman Mel McGinness.
This could be a real crossroads game for both in terms of their overall ambitions going forward, and I expect a tight game with so much at stake.
Prediction: Rhyl 2-1 Holyhead Hotspur
Buckley Town vs Airbus Broughton
All-conquering Airbus go in search of their 11th straight victory to further boost their title credentials, but Town will be no pushovers having made a bright start to HGA life which sees them occupy third spot in the standings.
The return of Asa Thomas is a huge plus for the Wingmakers, and recent signing from Porthmadog Joe Chaplin has also hit the ground running which makes their attacking players almost impossible to stop all at once.
Prediction: Buckley Town 1-3 Airbus Broughton
Flint Town United vs Gresford Athletic
Both sides have been drawn together in the JD Welsh Cup second round and neither will want to give an inch when they take on each other in the league this weekend.
Niall McGuinness’ men can only keep winning games and hope that Airbus slip up in their pursuit of promotion, but Athletic have shown on more than one occasion this term that they are capable of beating anyone on their day, which should make for a fascinating contest at Cae y Castell.
Prediction: Flint Town United 3-2 Gresford Athletic
Holywell Town vs Guilsfield
This is already a must-win game for the Wellmen as they continue to strive for improvement, but the games heading into the busy festive period are disappearing fast and Johnny Haseldin will know more than most the complications that will arise if they do not start putting a run of results together very soon.
What they do have within the squad is plenty of self-belief and a proven goalscorer to rely upon in Steve Lewis, but the Guils’ are one of the most difficult sides in the HGA to break down so Town will need to be at their best to get a priceless three points on the board.
Prediction: Holywell Town 1-0 Guilsfield
Penrhyncoch vs Bangor City
All eyes will be on the Citizens’ as they take the field for their first league outing without recently departed manager Craig Harrison.
Whilst there is rightfully some resentment within the group regarding Harrison’s decision, it could prove to be a fantastic source of motivation for a talented group that are more than capable of going on a prolonged unbeaten run at every opportunity providing they stay motivated.
The Roosters represent a significant threat to City’s aspirations of achieving a win, and it will be up to Stephen Vaughan Jnr to galvanise his troops for their long away trip.
Prediction: Penrhyncoch 1-2 Bangor City
Porthmadog vs Ruthin Town
Port are still in the thick of it within the top four and they will be hoping for further success against Chris Williams’ side, who are aiming to break out of their recent slump that has seen them drop to tenth place after an encouraging start.
In Llyr Morris they have one of the most prolific strikers operating within the division, but I expect Port’s home field advantage to play a significant part in this one.
Prediction: Porthmadog 2-1 Ruthin Town
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