RHYL v CAERSWS BEATS THE WEATHER

RHYL v CAERSWS
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 2.30pm
DESPITE heavy rain yesterday this afternoon's Welsh Premier clash between Rhyl and Caersws at Belle Vue goes ahead.
The Lilywhites will be without suspended skipper George Horan after he received a one-match ban for being red carded in Tuesday's 2-1 Loosemores League Cup semi-final first leg defeat at Gap Connah's Quay.
Player-manager Greg Strong has the option of switching left-back Greg Stones into a central defensive position in place of Horan or may give a start to promising young talent Shaun Dowling.
The champions need a victory today to avert a mini-slump which has seen them lose the leadership of the Welsh Premier.
Llanelli took over top spot on goal difference in midweek after thrashing Rhyl's opponents today, Caersws, 7-1 at Stebonheath Park.
The Lilywhites have struggled for goals in recent matches but will surely view today's encounter against next bottom visitors as the ideal opportunity to rediscover their ruthless streak.
"It's just important we get back to winning ways," said Strong. "There's not a lot wrong and if we keep doing what we're doing we'll be okay."
Winger Chris Williams faces a fitness test after coming off in midweek against Connah's Quay with a hamstring pull. "It's just a niggle," insisted Strong. "We're hoping he'll be fine."
Top scorer Mark Connolly, who notched his 16th goal of the season at the Deeside Stadium, is also expected to be fit despite taking a nasty bang to the head in the League Cup tussle.
Defender Martyn Naylor has been ill this week and is a doubt for the game.
Rhyl have taken just two points from their last three league matches and netted only one goal - quite a contrast to their early season free-scoring romps.
Despite outplaying Llanelli at Belle Vue last Saturday, they missed a host of chances and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
"We played some great stuff but just didn't take our chances," said Strong. "We really should have beaten them by more than the 5-1 we managed last season.
"But that's in the past now. We've got to look forward to Saturday and set about getting a win under our belts."