NIALL MCGUINNESS is confident Flint Town United will be ready for battle as they continue their title challenge at home to Corwen.

The Silkmen overcame tough conditions to win 3-1 at Guilsfield on Tuesday night and move to within seven points of leaders Prestatyn Town.

Goals from Richie Foulkes, Mark Cadwallader and Alex Titchiner made it nine wins from 13 outings for Flint and McGuinness knows his side can’t afford to let their standards slip tomorrow.

“Corwen have won their last two league matches, so we know, as ever, that we need to be at it to win,” said McGuinness. “We will treat Corwen with plenty of respect and we know that we need to be mentally prepared for another tough game.

“We can’t afford to drop points, so we will make sure we are ready to go again against Corwen because if we play to our potential I’m confident we can pick up all three points.”

Flint certainly showed their character at a cold and wet Clos Mytton against Guilsfield.

Captain Foulkes had to travel from Leeds for the clash, while Cadwallader suffered a hamstring injury soon after scoring as Flint overcame the odds to pocket a crucial three points.

“Not much luck has gone our way,” said McGuinness. “But if we have to do things the hard way, then we will.”

Cadwallader, the second-tier’s top scorer, now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after pulling up chasing a ball that saw the attacker eventually flagged offside.

“He’d just scored a bicycle kick, which if I had to describe it would be like Wayne Rooney’s against Manchester City,” said McGuinness. “And then he’s chased a ball that the officials were waiting to give offside for and he’s done his hamstring.

“It’s probably going to see him sidelined for four or five weeks, which is a big blow.”

Nathan Brown is set to return for Flint, while Corwen have a fully fit squad to choose from as they head to Essity Stadium.

Nathan Davies, Harry Pooler and Ioz Jones are all fit as Corwen visit Flint with “no fear”.

Assistant manager Nick Jones said: “It’s a free-hit for us.

“Flint are expected to win, but we are in this league to play against the likes of Flint, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay and we will be going there looking to cause them some problems.

“The lads are buzzing for the game - they were desperate to play last week - and they are ready to fight for the team.”

Corwen, who saw last week’s home clash with Llangefni postponed, head into the clash on the back of successive league wins.

Jones added: “We know we can’t afford to make a mistake when we play the likes of Flint.

“Every team has an off-day and hopefully we catch Flint on one.”