NIALL MCGUINNESS doesn’t expect Flint Town United to blow Ruthin Town away for a second time this season.

The Silkmen were in rampant mood the last time the two sides met in October, the hosts running out 7-0 victors as Richie Foulkes and Callum Bratley netted hat-tricks and Mark Cadwallader added the other goal.

Ruthin are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone with seven games of the season remaining, but Flint boss McGuinness knows it won’t be straightforward for his travelling Silkmen on Saturday afternoon.

“They are a good side,” said McGuinness, who watched Ruthin’s 4-1 home defeat to Prestatyn last month. “They are good going forward and we know that we need to be at our best to get the three points we want.”

Flint are still challenging for the second-tier’s runners-up spot, which could be enough to win promotion if expected title winners Prestatyn fail to earn a domestic licence.

McGuinness continued: “We’ve spoken as a group and we want to finish second, which is key, and to win the North East Wales Challenge Cup.

“Those are the challenges we’ve set and we will keep working each week to try and achieve them.”

Goalkeeper John Danby, pictured, and Jordan Barrow are doubtful for Flint’s trip to Ruthin through injury, while Danny Andrews remains sidelined and Stuart Jones’ loan move from Bala has ended.

Leaders Prestatyn, 16 points clear at the top, host Llandudno looking to move another step closer to wrapping up the trophy.