YOU won’t get many better bus trips back home than Connah’ Quay Town’s last week.
But boss Gavin Parry and his team are planning another top away day in the Ardal North West League tomorrow.
Seven days are winning on penalties at Swansea-based St Joseph’s in the Welsh Trophy, Town head to Rhyl 1879.
“It’s another massive game for us,” said Parry. “We are going up against arguably one of the favourites for promotion.
“It’s a local derby at a great venue and a lovely playing surface. These are the grounds you want to be playing at week in, week out so I’m sure the lads will be well up for it.”
Leaders Porthmadog, who are five points clear of second-placed Connah’s Quay, go to Trearddur Bay.
Tomorrow’s other fixtures: Pwllheli v Nantlle Vale; Llangefni v Felinheli; Llanrwst Utd v NFA; Conwy Borough v Llannefydd.
The big game in the North East League is at Brickfield Rangers where Rhos Aelwyd are their derby visitors.
Brickfield also enjoyed a Trophy victory in south Wales last weekend and boss Gareth Wilson said: “It was a brilliant win on the trip to Cardiff. It was a very professional, disciplined performance.
“It’s another massive game against Rhos and they will be a different challenge and, again, one which we will prepare well for.”
Rhos head to Rangers after a 1-1 draw and a three-point bonus from the league.
“A point on the road away at Chirk and being awarded the three points from the abandoned Llansantffraid game has taken us to exactly the same points as we had after 14 games last season,” said Rhos boss Gareth Jones.
“Given the injuries and youth blooded this year, I’m extremely proud of where we’re at.
“It’s another big local derby and we’re looking forward to it.”
Llangollen Town’s tough task at leaders Bow Street hasn’t been helped by having nine first team squad players being ruled out.
“We’re going though a tough run of fixtures with playing Brickfield, TNS, Cefn, Builth twice and now Bow Street,” said manager Luke Maybury.
“We’re struggling with availability with all of these long away days. We had 13 missing last week and it’s not far off the same this week.”
Penycae also have a tricky away game at second-placed Kerry while Cefn Albion head to Llanidloes Town on the back of a 3-0 home win over Llanfair United.
“Young Aaron Jones pulled off a couple of very good saves when 1-0 and then we scored two goals through Conner Kendrick and Tom Smith, who is on form at the moment along with Torne Samuels, who also scored,” said boss Ian Andrews.
“Confidence is definitely back with the players and we are getting a bit of luck in games now, so hopefully we can continue the run at Llanidloes.”
Callum Mannion and Tom Smith are not available, but Alex Williams, Edgar Lima, Tyler Wilkinson and Leighton Kendrick return.
Cup-kings Llanuwchllyn host Llandrindod Wells while Chirk AAA go to Radnor Valley.
Tom Freeman remains a doubt but Toby Nash and youngsters James Nash and Alfie Harris return.
Manager Tom Roberts said: “I was happy with last week’s display where we showed a lot of fight and character which we will need to take into every cup final from now on.”
Builth Wells go to Llanfair United while there’s one game tonight with in-form Dolgellau going to strugglers Llansantffraid.
Johnstown could hit the dizzy heights of the North East Wales Championship’s top two if they see off neighbours Cefn Druids at home tomorrow.
Yr Wyddgrug could also move on up with a three-point haul from their home clash against Aston Park Rangers.
Reserves Group A fixtures: Penycae v Hawarden Rangers; Cefn Alb v Brickfield. Group B: Coedpoeth v Penyffordd.
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