One of the biggest games in Welsh football this weekend comes on Friday evening, as Rhyl FC welcome old foes Bangor City to the Corbett Sports Stadium.
The match is seen a classic in any North Wales football fan’s calendar, and has produced a number of action-packed fixtures that have more often than not had a feisty atmosphere.
And there is added spice to Friday’s fixture, with Gary Taylor-Fletcher set for a baptism of fire at Rhyl in his first game since the ex-Football League playmaker’s shock announcement as Bangor’s new player-manager on Tuesday.
Both sides go into the game enjoying strong periods, with Rhyl having overcome a shaky start to the season to clock up four wins in a row, most recently defeating Guilsfield 4-1.
Bangor are on a run of six consecutive wins, but will be anxious for the game to mark the start of stability in the dugout, with Taylor-Fletcher the Citizen’s third permanent manager in 12 months.
The game will be followed by seven more games on Saturday to complete the Huws Gray Alliance’s 14th fixture card, with the likes of Airbus, Ruthin and Buckley Town all hosting important matches as the league heads into the festive period.
Airbus vs Holyhead
The league leaders are 12 points clear of the Huws Gray Alliance table, and it would be one of the upsets of the season if their next opponents, Holyhead Hotspur, were to beat them at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium.
It’s a top versus bottom clash as Airbus host struggling Holyhead, who are in search of only their second win of the campaign so far. A win for Airbus will see them further extend their stunning lead at the top.
Buckley Town vs Denbigh
Revenge is on the cards at the Globe, as Buckley were eliminated from the JD Welsh Cup by Denbigh in the second round earlier this month.
Whilst Denbigh enjoyed success in the cup, it’s Buckley who are higher placed in the league, sitting eighth after an impressive start to the season after winning promotion from the Welsh National League Premier Division.
But Denbigh Town will be confident after a significant three points against Holyhead last week, which ended a run of three straight losses. Buckley are meanwhile looking for their first win in three.
Ruthin vs Conwy Borough
Ruthin have put a spell of lacklustre form behind them to win two on the bounce, their most recent a victory on the road against the tricky Penrhyncoch.
Conwy Borough stand in their way of making it three in a row, with the visitors in growing need of a win, having failed to pick up a victory their past seven outings in all competitions.
A win for Ruthin will help consolidate their spot in the top half of the league, whilst Conwy will remain in danger of slipping down the table fast if they fail to get a result.
Elsewhere in North Wales, Gresford entertain Penrhyncoch, Guilsfield warm up for their JD Welsh Cup encounter with Connah’s Quay Nomads against Flint Town United, Porthmadog welcome Holywell, and Prestatyn look to get back to winning ways as they host Llanrhaeadr.
Featured Image: NCM Media
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