PENYCAE boss Jack Ellis says he and his players have been inspired by pre-season predictions that they would be relegated this season.

After two defeats kicked off their Ardal North East League campaign it didn’t look good but that’s all changed with Penycae now in second place in the table after six wins on the bounce.

“We’ve got an amazing set up at Penycae and the players have done a great job this season,” said Ellis, whose side will aim to make it seven-up at Llanuwchllyn tomorrow.

“We’ve got a lot of young lads and we’ve brought in a different way of play that the lads are buying into.”

Captain Zac Davies has made a successful return to first team action after recovering from an ankle injury while Will Nevitt has made an impact since coming in from Llay Welfare.

He has scored four goals in three games and will look to add to his tally at seventh-placed Llanuwchllyn.

Brickfield Rangers battered Llangollen Town 5-0 in the Welsh Trophy earlier this month and Llan manager Luke Maybury reckons that result did his side a favour as they meet again at Clywedog Park.

“We were well beaten a few weeks ago against Brickfield and the scoreline probably did us a favour,” said Maybury.

“We have to try to match their energy this time around; they are so well drilled in what they do.

“It’s not a revenge mission for us because everyone can beat everyone in this league. I hope we come out on top on this occasion.”

Llangollen beat St Asaph City in the Welsh Cup last week while Rangers were knocked out at Kinmel Bay.

“Kinmel Bay thoroughly deserved to win,” said Rangers’ boss Gareth Wilson. “But we will aim to bounce back this weekend.”

Rhos Aelwyd head into their home game against Llandrindod Wells hunting a hat-trick of much-needed league wins

“We’ve stopped the rot which is the most important thing,” said manager Gareth Jones, who welcomes back captain Aled Robertson and youngster Ben Rowlands, who missed last week’s 2-1 win at Kerry.

“After three tough away games, we’re all looking forward to being back at the Ponciau and for the first time in a while.”

Cefn Albion have the toughest task of all - a trip to leaders Bow Street.

“It’s certainly a testing time for us at the moment and the squad is a little bare, with injuries, holidays and other commitments having a major impact,” said boss Ian Andrew, whose side bowed out of the Welsh Cup at Caersws a week ago.

“Caersws was a tough fixture. We had four reserves step up and they did themselves and the club proud.”

Andrews, who has eight players out for tomorrow’s trip to the front-runners, added: “Bow Street are flying and what is always a tough fixture is made that little bit harder with key players missing.

“Having said this, the players have got it in them to produce a performance when the odds are against them.”

The big match at the bottom sees Chirk AAA make the short trip to bottom club Llansantffraid.

Chirk will be without the goalkeeping duo of Nikki Williams and Callum Taylor but club captain Phil Pearce returns.

Other fixtures: Builth Wells v Kerry; Llanidloes Town v Dolgellau AA.

Connah’s Quay Town look to continue their superb start to the North West League season with a home game against Llannefydd.

Gavin Parry’s side are unbeaten with five wins from six games - a run that has put them level on points with title favourites Porthmadog, who host Nantlle Vale.

Corwen are at home to Conwy Borough while third-placed Rhyl 1879 have home advantage over Llanrwst United.

Other fixtures: Holyhead Hotspur v Menai Bridge Tigers; NFA v Pwllheli; St Asaph City v Y Felinheli; Trearddur Bay v Llangefni Town

There are two games in the North East Wales Premier Division tomorrow.

Rhostyllen host FC Plas Madoc and Penyffordd Lions go to Greenfield.

Mynydd Isa could be sitting on an eight-point lead in Group A of the Reserves Division if they triumph at Penycae.

Saltney Town go to Hawarden Rangers while Connah’s Quay Town and Greenfield are both eyeing up top spot in Group B.

Town host Johnstown and Greenfield go to Brymbo. In the day’s other game, Castell Alun entertain Coedpoeth United.