NIALL MCGUINNESS has warned Flint Town United to beware “wounded animal” Porthmadog.

The Silkmen play host to Sion Eifion Jones’ side, who have lost all three Cymru North outings this season against Buckley, Bangor and Conwy.

Porthmadog were also thumped 5-1 on their last trip to Cae-y-Castell just over a month ago as Flint cruised into the third round of the Cymru Premier League Cup.

But Porthmadog have since signed the likes of John Owen, Jay Gibbs and Telor Williams, leaving McGuinness with his guard up.

“They will have a point to prove,” said the Flint boss. “Porthmadog have not won in three matches and they are a wounded animal.

“But they’ve brought in some new players since we last played them and I’m confident they will turn their current form around.

“I want us to make sure that we aren’t the team that helps turn their season around.

“We’ve got to look after ourselves.”

Alex Titchiner bagged a brace with Nathan Brown, Mark Cadwallader and Andy Brown completing the rout as Flint blew Porthmadog away the last time the two teams met.

That win allowed Flint to make cup progress, but McGuinness couldn’t help but wish it was a league fixture after disposing of Jones’ men so comfortably.

“I did say that I wished it had been a league game,” said McGuinness of the cup success. “If we can get three points this weekend then I will be made up, but we need to do the ugly stuff.

“We need to try and perform like we did last time, but they will be a completely different outfit, so the lads need to be at it.”

Flint strengthened their playing squad before the transfer window shut earlier this week with goalkeeper John Danby joining.

The former Chester stopper has spent the last few years with Connah’s Quay Nomads, and will help nurture talented 20-year-old Aaron Jones.

McGuinness was delighted to bring in Danby, explaining: “He has got a great track record and is a goalkeeper of real calibre.

“I believe Aaron is one of the best goalkeepers in the league, and with John in we’ve now got two of the best, which is great.

“Aaron will go on to play in the Cymru Premier, I really believe that, and having 12 months working with John will be great for his development.”

Flint are level on nine points with leaders Prestatyn, who will be looking to re-take top spot by beating visiting Colwyn Bay tomorrow.

Two other teams on nine points - Llanrhaeadr and Rhyl - go head to head tomorrow, while Llandudno host Conwy Borough and Guilsfield make their way to Penrhyncoch.