Prestatyn quartet miss seaside clash
Saturday 16 January 2010
Neil GibsonPRESTATYN Town are weakened by the absence of four suspended key players for the clash of the Seasiders at Bastion Road.
Player-manager Neil Gibson (pictured), striker Ian Griffiths and midfielders Mike Parker and Gareth Wilson are all ruled-out for the game against Aberystwyth Town.
The postponement of last week's visit to Haverfordwest means that all four miss the same fixture, but Gibson sees the positives.
This gives a massive opportunity for four other players to step in and stake a claim for a regular place," he says.
"These players have all been doing well and are unlucky not to have been involved regularly."
Prestatyn are going for a double over the high-flying Black & Greens, who lost the reverse fixture 3-2 at Park Avenue.
The visitors have ex-Northern Ireland Under-21 international Conall Murtagh in their squad following his loan move from The New Saints.
Porthmadog and Bala will both parade new signings as they return to action in the Gwynedd derby at The Traeth.
Striker Andy Evans from Aberystwyth is joined by the returning Marcus Orlik from Llangefni for the hosts, while Bala have added experienced ex-Wrexham stalwart Danny Williams and Port wingman Mike Thompson to their ranks.
But the Lakesiders also have suspension woes with Peter Moore, Osian Jones and Owain Roberts all banned.
Struggling Port are desperate to move up the table and manager Tomi Morgan says: "Not having played since late December, this is going to be fresh start and, with new blood in the side, we are upbeat about getting the right result."
Rhyl will hand a debut to striker Rob Turner, signed from Sligo Rovers, as they head for Port Talbot's GenQuip Stadium in a crucial clash for both sides.
The Steelmen can overhaul the reigning champions with a win and go into the game unbeaten in seven league games, which has seen them climb to fifth place.
Last season a Greg Stones goal four minutes into added time earned the Lilywhites a 2-2 draw, but they will need all their resolve to deny the home side their sixth home victory of the campaign.
"It will be a massive game for both clubs, and a win could take us into the top three with two games in hand," said Talbot boss Mark Jones.
The visitors will be without suspended striker Lee Hunt while captain and central defender George Horan is an injury doubt.