VITAL points and bragging rights are at stake as Buckley Town and Flint Town United clash in the first Flintshire derby of the season.

Niall McGuinness’ Silkmen head to Globe Way on the back of successive victories over Colwyn Bay and Conwy Borough, while Buckley suffered a 3-1 midweek loss at Bangor City having kicked off their campaign with a 3-2 win against Porthmadog.

The spoils were shared last season as Flint won 2-0 at Cae-y-Castell in November, before Buckley repaid the favour by securing a 2-1 home success four months later.

Both McGuinness and Buckley boss Dan Moore know the importance of the fixture, and the duo are ready for battle to commence tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s a massive game,” declared McGuinness. “They will be classed as the underdogs, but they beat us at their place last season, so we’ve got a point to prove.

“We produced one of our poorer performances of the season when we lost there, so the players will have the bit between their teeth.”

McGuinness has, as ever, done his homework on his side’s Flintshire rivals, watching their 2-0 Cymru League Cup defeat to Rhyl back on August 3.

“They haven’t changed too much from last season,” continued McGuinness. “They are organised and they play for each other, so we know it will be tough.

“But we are scoring goals and winning games, so there are plenty of positives on our side.”

After stepping into the unknown on Tuesday at Bangor, Buckley boss Moore is relishing the chance to go toe-to-toe with rivals Flint at Globe Way.

“I’m looking forward to the game,” said Moore.

“We know how Flint play and the strengths of their squad, which hasn’t changed too much from last season, although it has been strengthened.

“We’ve got an understanding of how they set up and we are back at the Globe, so it’s one to look forward to.”

Given Moore’s knowledge of Flint, the Buckley boss knows his side must be close to their very best to get something from the contest.

“What we have done is match teams in the non-negotiables, like workrate, and if we can do that tomorrow we’ve got half a chance,” continued Moore. “It means a lot to the club. We’ve got a lot of local lads and they understand what the game is all about.

“We will have to be at the top of our game to get a positive result.”

The experienced duo of Chris Roberts and Phil Molyneux miss out for an otherwise full strength Buckley, while Flint have defensive issues to contend with.

Tom Kemp, Tom Hartley, Kyle Smyth and John Davies are all doubtful for the derby clash.