NIALL McGUINNESS will lock horns with hometown club Rhyl on the opening weekend of the Tier Two North League.

Flint Town United boss McGuinness will lead his Silkmen into battle against the Eddie Maurice-Jones' Lilywhites on Saturday, August 17.

And McGuinness has further strengthened his squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign by bringing in Dominic McHugh from Connah's Quay Nomads and former Queen's Park and Denbigh attacker Corey Smart.

"Buzzing to sign, can’t wait to get going looking forward to the season ahead," said Smart.

Newly-promoted Corwen have been handed a tough trip to recently relegated Llandudno on the opening weekend and Gresford Athletic make the long trip to Llangefni Town, while Buckley Town have a free fixture with 17 teams in the division.

The highlight of the opening weekend is arguably at Nantporth where Bangor City, handed a reprieve from relegation in the last week, entertain Colwyn Bay, who are back in the Welsh system after 35 years.

Corwen, promoted from the Welsh National League, play their first home game on Friday, August 23 as Prestatyn Town visit, while Buckley kick-off their season at home to Porthmadog the following afternoon.

Flint Town United make the trip to Colwyn Bay and Gresford head to Llandudno in matches that are sure to gauge the progress of all four teams.

The second round of fixtures is quickly followed by the third with midweek matches taking place on August 27 and 28 with Buckley, Flint, Corwen and Gresford all in action on the Tuesday.

Buckley face a tough trip to Bangor, Corwen head to Llanrhaeadr, Gresford visit Prestatyn and Flint host Conwy.

There are no Boxing Day fixtures in the second-tier, but their is a full schedule on Saturday, December 28 as Flint host Buckley in a Flintshire derby, Corwen tackle rivals Ruthin and Gresford entertain Llanrhaeadr.

The teams are back in action four days later on New Year's Day as Buckley, Corwen and Gresford hosting Llangefni, Llanfair and Ruthin respectively, while Flint head to Porthmadog.

The curtain is set to come down on the campaign on Saturday, April 25 with Flint tackling Gresford at Cae-y-Castell, Buckley entertaining Conwy and Corwen visiting Llangefni.