SPORTS reporter Dean Jones returns with his predictions ahead of a busy weekend of action in the Huws Gray Alliance.

Bangor City vs Holywell Town

The Citizens managed to progress to the JD Welsh Cup fourth round but will look to get their league form back on track following their disappointing defeat at fierce rivals Rhyl.

Despite that result, they have been in sensational form of late and have been further boosted with the appointment of Gary Taylor-Fletcher, but they come up against a Wellmen outfit that have shown a marked improvement in performances since the return of Johnny Haseldin and they are sure to pose plenty of problems.

Prediction: Bangor City 3-1 Holywell Town

Denbigh Town vs Rhyl

There will be plenty of familiarity between the two sides given how many staff and playing personnel changed hands between them this summer, and although join-Town boss Dewi Llion stated the pressure is all on the Lilywhites that could not be further from the truth given how close they are to the drop zone.

With just five points between them and the bottom two, they will need to continue their recent positive run to avoid further complications down the line but they face a formidable Rhyl side that is riding on the crest of a wave having won eight on the bounce in all competitions.

Prediction: Denbigh Town 1-2 Rhyl

Conwy Borough vs Gresford Athletic

The Tangerines embark on a new era following the appointment of Warren Gibbs, and the former Glantraeth boss has been handed a very winnable game as he looks to improve the club’s fortunes following an encouraging start to life in the second tier.

There is plenty of talent at his disposal and they have proved capable of beating the top teams in the division on their day, and although Athletic have been inconsistent for the majority of the season they do have plenty of match-winners that have the potential to spoil the new manager’s first game in charge.

Prediction: Conwy Borough 1-0 Gresford Athletic

Flint Town United vs Airbus Broughton

The game of the day comes at Cae y Castell, where the Silkmen become the latest to try and end the 14-match league winning run of the Wingmakers.

The runaway leaders have shown their character to grind out results in recent weeks despite not being at their best, which is a testament to their overall spirit and their ability to take advantage of crucial situations.

Niall McGuinness’ men will be weary from their midweek JD Welsh Cup defeat to Bala Town, but they have enjoyed a fine campaign to date and can definitely give the champions elect a real run for their money.

Prediction: Flint Town United 2-2 Airbus Broughton

Holyhead Hotspur vs Ruthin Town

This is a pivotal match for the Holy Islanders and they will be a hoping for a repeat of their Welsh Cup triumph over Chris Williams’ squad earlier on in the season.

Darren Garmey has lost the services of Marc Evans and Harry Galeotti this week, which leaves him short of numbers up front, and they come up against a Ruthin side who have defied expectations so far and find themselves in sixth position.

Prediction: Holyhead Hotspur 0-1 Ruthin Town

Llanrhaeadr YM vs Porthmadog

In-form Porthmadog will be hoping to take advantage of any slip-up from Airbus at Llanrhaeadr, who have proven to be a sterner proposition to overcome than many anticipated during the summer.

Julian Williams has been at the very top of his game for the title hopefuls in recent weeks, as has the commanding presence of Ceri James at the heart of the Port rearguard.

Prediction: Llanrhaeadr YM 0-2 Porthmadog

Penrhyncoch vs Buckley Town

The Roosters have been hit and miss during the season but they face a Town side that have lost their last four to undo all their good work in what is their first season back at this level.

A loss for the home side could see them fall into the drop zone if results don’t go their way, so this could very well be a crossroads game for both sides in terms of their overall ambitions as the season progresses.

Prediction: Penrhyncoch 1-1 Buckley Town

Prestatyn Town vs Guilsfield

The Seasiders will be looking to make it two league wins in succession ahead of a difficult looking Christmas fixture list heading into the New Year, and they could finally move out of the bottom two with a win against a resolute Guils’ side.

Manager Neil Gibson will know that results need to be more consistent despite their increased level of performance, and three more points would stand them in extremely good stead in what is another imperative fixture for the strugglers.

Prediction: Prestatyn Town 2-1 Guilsfield