DAN RICHARDS says there’s ‘no doubt’ Chirk AAA will run away with this season’s North East League title.

However, the Penycae manager states it’s a “free swing” for his side as they look to threaten Chirk’s amazing 100 per cent winning record in the league tomorrow.

It’s been the good and the bad for Penycae since Richards took the reins a couple of weeks ago.

They managed to defeat Machynlleth in his first game in charge, but this was followed by a loss to Penparcau last time out.

“To be fair, the Machynlleth one was a good one, where we got the first win,” said Richards. “But we struggled last week.”

On the Chirk test, he added: “It’s a free swing for us.

“The squad they have got there is on a different level to what we have got.

“There’s no doubt they will run away with the league. But we will go there and attack. We will have a go and see what we can do.”

Penycae will be without Dyfan Thomas, Austin Owen and Jaden Jones while Chirk are aiming for a 13th consecutive league win.

Boss Andy Pryde said: “We’ve got three first-teamers not available, goalkeeper Cal Thurnham, Will Evans and Jake Simms.

“But we’ve got 15 of the first team squad available with a call-up for Tom Faithful from the reserves.”

Cefn Albion haven’t give up hope of catching Chirk and Mike Latham followed up his boss Sean Jones’ pre-season billing of being a ‘quality’ signing by bagging a hat-trick in last week’s 5-2 win at Berriew.

Albion, who are five points behind Chirk, host strugglers Carno.

Rhos Aelwyd player-manager Aled Parry is hopeful of having the majority of his squad available for the trip to Corwen with Dafydd Robertson returning after suspension and James Haynes fit again.

Four Crosses hope it will be a case of 15th time lucky as they aim for a first win of the season at home to Caersws.

Kerry welcome a Welshpool Town side who beat Corwen 4-3 last weekend while third-placed Llanfair United are at home to Berriew.

Dolgellau make the trip to Penparcau while Bow Street have a mid-Wales derby at home to Machynlleth.

How do Llay Welfare follow their best performance in two decades?

That’s the key as they look to develop the consistency that will allow them to challenge for the North West League title moving forward.

Next up for Mike Gadie’s side is tomorrow’s home clash with Ricky Evans’ Brymbo, which follows on from Llay’s brilliant 5-1 dismantling of previously undefeated Denbigh Town a fortnight ago.

Gadie said: “It was unbelievable. I have been involved with the football club for nearly 20 years and for me, that’s the best result we have had as an actual football club in my time.

“I’m really proud of my players... and a bit disappointed not to keep a clean sheet!"

Gadie, who is without the suspended John Collo, added: “It will be a tough game against Brymbo.”

Guto Hughes is in contention to return for Mold Alex’s home game against St Asaph City in the North West League but captain Rhys Nash and Conner Kendrick are ruled out.

Rhostyllen won’t want to ship more goals as they head to bottom-of-the-table Blaenau Ffestiniog.

“We know they are sitting bottom but we cannot underestimate them,” said coach Darren Hignett, whose side lost 7-4 at home to Saltney Town last week.

“If we do we will come up short. We need defend better as a unit and cut out the sloppy mistakes.”

Player boss Warren Duckett is still out and Scott Swords begins a three-match ban.

Saltney have a tough test at Llanrwst United and will again be looking to top scorer Ryan McCleary to fire them to victory.

An away win at Y Felinheli is the aim for Rhydymwyn while Brickfield Rangers make the trip to Nantlle Vale.

Joint-Rhydymwyn boss Jordan Parry said: “We know it’s going to be a tough game. I think it’s the most unorthodox league I have been involved in.”

Denbigh Town have again opted for a Friday night home fixture with Llandudno Albion making their way to Central Park.

A win will put them on top ahead of leaders Porthmadog who host fellow high-flyers Llanuwchllyn tomorrow.