LEAGUE leaders Airbus must adopt a physical approach in their clash at Penrhyncoch, says assistant Andy Thomas.

The Wingmakers are out to preserve the seven-point lead they hold at the summit over title rivals Flint.

But having already dropped points on the road to the division’s lower half teams, including a 1-1 draw at Powys side Guilsfield a fortnight ago, assistant boss Thomas is keen to avoid another slip-up in mid-Wales.

He said: “We know away games at their place are tough.

“They’re a well-drilled, strong side who always make it tough for the opposition. We have to win that physical battle and match them all over the pitch. If we can do that then we can hopefully show some class with the ball and find that bit of quality that wins us the game.”

Airbus ended a three-game winless run last weekend with a home victory over a resilient Rhyl side.

Thomas was pleased with his side’s display in the 1-0 win, calling it a ‘professional performance’.

He added: “We weren’t spectacular by any means but Rhyl made it tough for us and we found a way to win the game. I thought Joe Palmer was excellent for us after coming back from injury in a pretty tight game.

“When you’re not dominating the play and there are limited chances for both side it comes down who’s the more clinical. We found that little edge in the game and when we got ahead we made sure we were really solid defensively as we’ve been all season.”

The Airmen have a near full-strength squad for the clash after midfielder Curtis Strong returned to training this week following an injury.

Relegation-threatened Holywell Town head to Rhyl tonight eyeing their first victory since January 19.

The injury-hit Wellmen were dealt a further blow last weekend in the 2-0 home reverse to Buckley Town, with striker Steve Lewis sent off in the all-Flintshire clash.

The dismissal was the club’s third in three games, following reds for midfielder Aaron Pomeyie and goalkeeper Mike Platt in the 3-1 reverse at Conwy Borough.

Suspensions aside, manager John Haseldin will hope an extensive injury list abates with the likes of Tom Hartley, Matty Harvey, Matty Hughes, Morgan Jones, and Joe Carey all missing recent games.

This weekend’s other games see Denbigh Town head to Guilsfield, and third-placed Porthmadog host Conwy Borough.