RHYL and Bangor City clash at the Belle Vue Stadium on Friday night in the next chapter of their already storied and fierce rivalry.

A large crowd is expected to attend the clash between two sides who are on lengthy winning runs, and sports reporter Dean Jones picks out five key battles that could determine the overall outcome of the contest.

Reece Fairhurst vs Les Davies

This specific battle is sure to be a physical affair, which is how both players like it if history is anything to go by.

Returning talisman Davies has led the line superbly for the Citizens throughout the campaign, but he faces a stern test of his credentials in the form of Fairhurst, who has really found some decent form in recent weeks after a frustrating time through injury since his summer arrival from rivals Prestatyn Town.

Max Peate vs Marc Williams

The Lilies’ skipper is a natural born leader and has been one of their most consistent performers this turn, but in Williams he comes up against one of the most in-form forward anywhere in the division and keeping him quite is going to be key if the home side are to gain a derby success.

The former Llandudno and Colwyn Bay star took his time to settle at the VSM Stadium before a sensational recent run of form that has aided his side’s cause considerably, and Williams has the potential to have a significant impact on the overall outcome if he is given time and space.

Gareth Partridge vs Alex Darlington

Darlington is another that has really come on during the Citizens’ recent resurgence, and the energetic Partridge may be tasked with keeping his ability to link-up play to a minimum in what could be another fascinating battle in the middle of the park.

Both are very good on the ball and can provide moments of magic, with Darlington’s exploits in front of goal providing another formidable element to the City attack in recent weeks.

Joe Culshaw vs Jacob Farleigh

Culshaw is widely regarded as one of the best young right-backs anywhere in the region, but he has his hands full on Friday night in the form of Farleigh, who has lit up the second tier with a series of exceptional displays that have further enhanced his growing reputation.

His direct running and ability to beat his man effortlessly have given opposing full-backs nightmares throughout the season so far, and he is brimming with confidence at the moment which gives Culshaw even more to think about heading into the clash.

Mike Pritchard vs Sam Barnes

The Lilies’ forward has been a real difference-maker in the final third thanks to his vision and ability to spot a pass, and his link-up play from the number ten position will need to be marshalled by City’s best defender.

That, of course, is Barnes, with the former Colwyn Bay skipper marshalling their rearguard superbly so far whilst proving to be a superb threat from set-pieces at the other end of the field.