RHYL put their six-game winning streak on the line when they welcome fierce derby rivals Bangor City on Friday night.

The Lilywhites will be aiming to put one over on the in-form Citizens and mark Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s first official game at the helm in defeat, and sports reporter Dean Jones takes a look at four key elements that could prove to be the difference for Eddie Maurice-Jones’ side on the night.

Limit Alex Darlington’s influence:

Darlington has been at the very top of his game of late which has coincided with the Citizens’ recent fine run of form, and his ability to thread balls to the front two from prominent forward positions is something that has brought great rewards over recent weeks.

Whether a holding midfielder such as Matthew Cook is given this responsibility or not remains to be seen given how deep Darlington sometimes drops to receive the ball, but his desire to join attacks when the ball is in wide areas with timed runs into the box will also put some responsibility on the Lilies’ formidable rearguard.

Match Les Davies’ physicality:

There is no doubt that Davies has the ability to intimidate certain defender with his rugged style and supreme presence both holding the ball up and in the air, which gives Max Peate, Ben Nash and Reece Fairhurst a problem they must solve if they are going to lead the home side to another victory.

This is definitely a challenge they are going to relish and probably one of the reasons why all them signed for a club the size of Rhyl this summer, so hitting Davies early and often to limit what he does linking up play and in the penalty area receiving deliveries from wide areas will stand them in good stead throughout the contest.

Be wary of Marc Williams’ movement:

The former Llandudno and Colwyn Bay striker has been in superb goalscoring form after a disappointing early run, he is another huge threat that the Lilies’ back-line will have to contend with.

His movement off the ball is exceptional and he has the ability to finish even the slightest of chances, so making sure there is a runner with him at all times will be imperative to the home side in a game that could be decided by fine margins.

Exploit Mike Williams’ possible rustiness:

The experienced centre half started his first game since arriving at the VSM Stadium from Flint Town United last weekend, but he has played very little football so far this term and the tempo is going to far higher in this fixture than City’s win over Prestatyn Town last weekend.

The likes of James Murphy, Matt Worrall and Mike Pritchard are excellent at closing down and making things difficult for the opposition, and their movement both on and off the ball is sure to give Williams problems if he is not at the very top of his game.

Make full use of their ball-players:

Maurice-Jones has got his side playing some very good football and this is something he must not shy away from given the magnitude of this fixture.

There are going to be times when they go long periods without the ball given the quality of opposition, but when they have the ball the Lilywhites are a match for anyone in the division providing they remain calm, play the game not the occasion and be decisive in the final third.