WIN WILL PUT RHYL LEVEL TOP

RHYL v HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY
WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 2.30pm
MIDFIELDER Paul Smith is poised to return for a Rhyl side looking to bounce back from last Sunday's bruising 4-0 defeat at title rivals The New Saints.
Former Chester City player Smith had to withdraw from the Park Hall encounter when he reported feeling unwell but looks favourite to fill the gap caused by the injury to leading scorer Mark Connolly.
"We've got plenty of options available but definitely Paul will be back in contention," confirmed player-manager Greg Strong.
Connolly is likely to be sidelined for three weeks after being stretchered off to hospital on Sunday with what was first feared to be a serious knee injury.
"Of course we'll miss him but we've got to dust ourselves down and get on with the job of producing the consistent form that will take us back to the head of the table," said Strong.
"All top teams take a beating at some time or other and it's up to us to accept what's happened and move forward."
More good news for third-placed champions Rhyl is that winger Chris Williams, who has also been under the weather since the TNS game, has told Strong to count him in for what will be the first meeting with sixth-from-bottom Haverfordwest this season.
"They will be coming here hoping to catch us on the hop so we are prepared for a tough battle," cautioned Strong. "There are no easy games any more and I believe the title is more wide open than ever with any of the top six sides, or even lower down than that, capable of mounting a serious challenge.
"From what we've experienced so far I reckon the standard now is higher than it's been for years. Any team that thinks it can relax and cruise along is heading for trouble and there's no risk that we will make that mistake. We've got a great set of fans and we owe them our best effort every time."
With top two Llanelli and TNS both winning 4-0 last night against Aberystwyth Town and Caersws respectively, Rhyl need to beat the Bluebirds to move level with the leading pair on 30 points.
The Lilywhites' goal difference (+15) is inferior to Llanelli (+25) and TNS (+24) though.
Rhyl have met Haverfordwest 24 times in the Welsh Premier and lead by 13 wins to five with six draws.