Eagles want to get their claws into TNS
Saturday 13 March 2010
TNS v NeathNEATH boss Andrew Dyer believes last week's triumph at Rhyl can help reignite his side's push for a first-ever place in Europe.
The Eagles are 11 points behind third-placed Aberystwyth, but have three games in hand, and have to overcome title-chasing The New Saints at the Gnoll today.
The visitors, who will be without suspended striker Chris Sharp and midfielder Jamie Wood, have lost only twice this season, but trail Llanelli on goal difference having played two more games.
Neath are missing midfielder Stephen Pockett, who was sent-off at Rhyl last Saturday.
Llanelli are without suspended midfielder Owain Warlow for their visit to lowly Caersws, who have revived their season in recent weeks with home wins over both Elements Cefn Druids and Gap Connah's Quay.
Rhyl will run fitness checks on striker Rob Turner and defender Phil Ojapah ahead of the clash with Elements Cefn Druids at Belle Vue.
The Ancients, who will be without defensive duo Dan Barnett and Ricky Wright, were shock 4-3 winners at Belle Vue last season and also held the reigning champions to a 1-1 draw at Plas Kynaston in October.
But visiting joint manager Waynne Phillips is playing down the chances of another upset: "This season is totally different, we have a young team still learning their trade in the league and they are bound to find it tough at times," he says.
As the race for a top 10 finish hots up, Airbus have a crucial home game against Port Talbot, who arrive in Broughton on the back of two consecutive defeats at the hands of Carmarthen and Llanelli.
"It is getting really interesting now, things are hotting-up," says Wingmakers' manager Craig Harrison. "If we can beat Port Talbot we will not be too far from them and the league is getting tighter with Carmarthen and Haverfordwest chasing ourselves, Bala and Prestatyn," says the former Middlesbrough defender.
The Steelmen are still without suspended top scorer Liam McCreesh, who is joined on the sidelines by Daniel Thomas, while Neil Thomas and Karl Lewis are unavailable, but home boss Harrison hopes to welcome back Danny Desormeaux and Rhys Roberts from a holiday.
Likewise, Carmarthen need points to bridge the gap when they visit Connah's Quay, who are also still hopeful of making the Super 12.
"We want to be part of this league next season and the players are showing that with their performances," says manager Ken Price.
Photo: Neath drew 2-2 at Park Hall earlier this season.