NIALL MCGUINNESS insists Flint Town United “set the standard” for their 2019/20 campaign by thumping Porthmadog.

New signings Alex Titchener (2) and Nathan Brown were joined on the scoresheet by Andy Brown and Mark Cadwallader as the Silkmen cruised to a 5-1 Cymru Premier League Cup success over their league rivals.

And McGuinness, who guided Flint to second place last season, wants his players to maintain that level of performance - starting tomorrow at home to Rhyl.

“We’ve set the standard we want to keep to,” said the Flint boss.

“We want to compete week in, week out in what will be a tough league.

“We want to win each game we play and to do that we need to keep our standards high.”

Flint finished distant runners-up to Airbus last term, but with the Wingmakers now in the top-tier, McGuinness’ men are amongst the title favourites.

Asked about a title challenge, McGuinness continued: “It is something we don’t want to put pressure on.

“Prestatyn will be strong favourites given who they’ve brought in, but we have a a group of lads who are in it together and they will be fighting for victory in each and every game.”

Flint can expect a testing 90 minutes against Rhyl, who are also among the favourites for promotion alongside the likes of the Silkmen, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay.

“Everyone would expect them to be at the top end,” said McGuinness of Eddie Maurice-Jones Lilywhites. “They’ve got good players and a healthy budget.

“I went to watch them and I was impressed by what I saw.”

McGuinness hails from Rhyl, who he managed for close to two years, and the Flint boss is relishing the chance to face his hometown team once more.

“It’s always good coming up against them,” said McGuinness. “We were successful against them last season - beating them 2-0 home and away - but things change in football and we know we need to be at our best to pick up three points.”

Kyle Smyth and Brandon Burrows face late checks for Flint, who are without full-back Tom Hartley, although new signings, Callum Bratley and Joey Waugh, could feature if they receive international clearance.

While McGuinness played down his side’s title prospects, opposite number Maurice-Jones believes the Silkmen will be challenging at the top end of the table.

“Flint have done really well over the summer,” said former Gresford boss Maurice-Jones, who has brought in the likes Steve Thomas, Asa Hamilton and Leo Riley.

“For me they are one of the dark horses for the title, but every game is tough - there is no easy game in the Cymru North.”

Neil Gibson’s Prestatyn Town begin their title challenge at home to Guilsfield this evening.