TRICKY TEST AWAITS THE LEADERS

By Dave Jones on Nov 28, 08 12:29 PM

RHYL v TECHNOGROUP WELSHPOOL
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 2.30pm
THIS Saturday Rhyl will need to overcome one of their trickier opponents of recent times if they are to maintain top spot.
The Lilywhites have failed to beat Technogroup Welshpool in their last four attempts in the Welsh Premier, the Mid-Walians picking up draws at Belle Vue in each of the past two seasons.
Even this term, with Rhyl having arguably their strongest-ever WPL squad, Welshpool grabbed a shock 2-1 victory at BV in the League Cup.
Allan Bickerstaff's side have not always flourished at home this season; indeed they suffered a first league loss of the campaign on their own turf a fortnight ago against Port Talbot.
So all is not cut and dried tomorrow at Belle Vue (2.30pm) especially as 'Pool, who sacked manager Tomi Morgan earlier this month, have won their last two outings under caretaker boss Graham Breeze, one of those victories a notable 2-0 success at Bangor City.
But even at less than 100%, the Lilies are a cut above most in the WPL.
They need to keeping winning, though, with second-placed Llanelli visiting struggling Neath on Friday and unbeaten The New Saints a good bet to end up victorious at Caersws.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
2007/08 - Rhyl 1 Welshpool 1; Welshpool 1 Rhyl 0
2006/07 - Welshpool 1 Rhyl 1; Rhyl 0 Welshpool 0.
2005/06 - Welshpool 3 Rhyl 1; Rhyl 3 Welshpool 0.
2004/05 - Rhyl 2 Welshpool 2; Welshpool 1 Rhyl 2.
2003/04 - Welshpool 1 Rhyl 2; Rhyl 3 Welshpool 0.
2002/03 - Rhyl 2 Welshpool 0; Welshpool 0 Rhyl 2.
1997/98 - Welshpool 3 Rhyl 3; Rhyl 3 Welshpool 0.
1996/97 - Rhyl 0 Welshpool 1; Welshpool 2 Rhyl 1.
WINS: Rhyl 7 Welshpool 4 DRAWS: 5.