NIALL MCGUINNESS insists Flint Town United are fully aware of the importance of tomorrow’s showdown with title rivals Prestatyn Town.

But the boss of the Silkmen has played down the notion that his side must win the clash against Neil Gibson’s table toppers at Cae-y-Castell.

Flint were held to a 1-1 draw at Llandudno last weekend, and after Prestatyn thumped eight-man Bangor City, McGuinness’ men slipped seven points adrift of the early pacesetters, although they do have a game in-hand.

And McGuinness, who has allowed Dylan Allshorn to join Holywell on-loan until January, knows what is at stake tomorrow afternoon, saying: “We know how big a game it is, we won’t hide behind anything.

“We are confident heading into the game, we will prepare right and see where it takes us against a very, very good side.

Asked whether this was a ‘must-win’ for Flint given their home advantage, McGuinness continued: “It’s a difficult one because we go out to win every game.

“I don’t think a draw would be the end of the world, but it’s a game we can’t lose and the players know that.”

Flint beat Prestatyn home and away last term, the 2-1 victory at Cae-y-Castell coming on the final day of the season.

It’s a result that sticks in McGuinness’s mind, the Flint boss saying: “We beat them last season and our budget was mentioned.

“Prestatyn have a Cymru Premier squad this season and, regardless of what they say, there has been a lot of money pumped in.

“But we’ve got our own qualities, I am fully confident in the players I have at the club and we will go out there and compete.”

Prestatyn head to Flint brimming with confidence after their mauling of rivals Bangor City.

Braces from Rob Hughes and Ian Griffiths were added to by Alex Jones, Jordan Davies and Kai Edwards as Prestatyn cruised to a 7-0 success.

But Gibson knows Flint pose a new challenge, saying: “We know it will be a very, very tough game and we know we need to be ready for it.”

Richie Foulkes and Callum Bratley return for Flint, who have doubts over the fitness of Alex Titchiner and Andy Brown.

Managerless Bangor City, who have seen John Barnes linked with the vacant top job, entertain second placed Llanrhaeadr.

The Citizens have had an eventful week with Stephen Vaughan Jr stepping down as boss after the 7-0 defeat to Prestatyn, before Tuesday’s home clash with Colwyn Bay was abandoned due to floodlight failure.

Colwyn Bay return to action at home to Guilsfield tomorrow.