NIALL McGUINNESS has saluted the ‘professionalism’ of Flint Town United ace Mark Cadwallader.

After seven goals in four outings, including hat-tricks against Porthmadog and Llangefni, Cadwallader landed the Cymru North player of the month award for September.

Cadwallader, pictured, was also in the frame for the August award after five goals in four games, while the former Airbus man has two in two in October.

And Flint boss McGuinness hailed his talisman, saying: “Caddy fully deserved to win the award, especially after being very unlucky not to have got it for his goals and performances in August.

“He doesn’t even play up front, but has scored almost as many goals this season as he did in the whole of the last one, which proves that he’s stepped up his level of performance.

“He’s so professional and a top sportsman, who demands the best from his team-mates and challenges everyone around him.”

McGuinness will be looking for Cadwallader to continue his red-hot form as Ruthin Town visit Cae-y-Castell this evening.

Three vital points are at stake and McGuinness knows Flint will have to be at their best to get them.

“We need to get on a winning run, but it will be tough to beat Ruthin,” said McGuinness. “They are a solid side, who are organised and busy.

“They’ve got good players and have a good group, while Llyr Morris loves scoring goals, so we’ve got to rise to the challenge.”

Andy Brown is pushing for a start after returning as a substitute in the 3-2 win at Llanrhaeadr on Saturday, while Tom Hartley is back in training.

There are doubts surrounding Tony Davies and John Davies, who missed the weekend win.

Victory will move Flint up to second in the table with Rhyl out of action, but McGuinness’ men are looking for leaders Prestatyn to slip up at Llandudno.

“We’ve got a really difficult game,” said Prestatyn boss Neil Gibson, who won September's manager of the month honour. “Llandudno have had 10 days to rest up and prepare with them not playing at the weekend.”

Former Wrexham defender Kai Edwards is expected to be fit for the trip to Llandudno.