NIALL MCGUINNESS has no interest in playing down Flint Town United’s crunch home clash with Colwyn Bay.

The Silkmen are thriving under the pressure of chasing down league leaders Prestatyn, winning their 10 of their last 11 matches in all competitions.

That form has seen Flint cut the gap between themselves and Prestatyn from seven points to just two, and book a place in the last 16 of the Welsh Cup, where they will face Colwyn Bay at the Essity Stadium.

And McGuinness insists that his players are ready for another important home league fixture on Saturday, saying: “We know not to play these games down and we know we need to be at our best. It’s a massive game for us as we look to finish the year on the right note.”

The Silkmen triumphed when the two teams met at Llanelian Road earlier in the season, Mark Cadwallader’s third minute goal enough to settle the contest in favour of the visitors.

Much has changed since then with Colwyn Bay have recovering from a tricky start that brought about just one win in their opening five league outings and Flint proving themselves genuine title contenders.

“Both teams were finding their feet back in August,” said McGuinness. “We had a good finish to last season, but then we bought in six new players and we were chopping and changing things.

“Colwyn Bay were also getting used to the league. I know all about coming into the league from outside of it and it does take time to adapt. I think Craig Hogg has done a fantastic job since becoming manager and he’s recruited the right players, which is reflecting in their results.”

McGuinness was at Llanelian Road on Friday as Colwyn Bay caused an upset by dumping Airbus out of the Welsh Cup after extra time.

“I’ve seen them three times this season,” said McGuinness. “I know a lot about them and their style of play, but it’s about making sure you combat that.

“They’ve got a lot of quality in their side. I’ve coached the likes of Toby Jones and Mike Williams and Sion Edwards is part of an attacking line-up that can cause problems.”

Tom McCready scored the winner against Airbus and the Bay skipper has caught the eye in the second-tier this term.

“He’s a good player,” said McGuinness. “He didn’t play against us at their place, but we know what threat he poses.”

Flint are set to be without Chris Li, Brandon Burrows and Kyle Smyth for the visit of the Seagulls, but John Danby and Dominic McHugh look set to return and top scorer Mark Cadwallader is back in training after injury.

Flint will be looking for Corwen to do them a favour by taking points off leaders Prestatyn.