Bangor hindered by back trouble.

Byline: DAVE JONES 

BANGOR City manager Neville Powell expects centre-back Dave Morley to return from injury but has major doubts over two other key defenders ahead of this afternoon's much-awaited clash with Llanelli at Farrar Road (2.30pm).

Ex-Manchester City and Macclesfield stopper Morley suffered a groin pull in City's 3-1 victory over Neath on August 22, but has responded well to treatment and should take his place in the back-line.

It looks less promising, however, for Michael Johnston and Chris Roberts, both of whom endured knee ligament damage as the result of bad tackles in last Friday's 1-0 triumph at Elements Cefn Druids.

"Johnston probably won't be fit, it's 90% certain he won't be," said Powell. "He hasn't trained and was struggling to walk after the game at Druids. Roberts has a better chance and will undergo a late fitness test, but Dave Morley looks ready to return which will be a blessing for us."

Llanelli did the double over Bangor in the league last season, but memories of City's 2008 Welsh Cup final victory over the Tinmen still remains prominent.

"It should be an excellent game between two teams who like to play football," Powell added. "The lads are looking sharp in training and everyone's looking forward to the game which will be the first of three big tests for us with Rhyl and TNS to follow."

Good news for City is the fact striker Chris Sharp will remain at the club after an offer from a Football League club before the transfer deadline failed to materialise.

Sharp bagged 27 goals in all competitions for Bangor last season before a broken arm in February put his promising career on hold.

"The transfer deadline's gone so hopefully Sharpie can now knuckle down and score some goals for us," said Powell.

One City defender on the comeback trail is right-back Dave Swanick, who has had a long spell out through Achilles trouble but came through 45 minutes for the reserves last weekend and could soon be knocking on the first team door.

Midfielder Craig Garside, the ex-Everton and Wales youth who signed for Bangor in the summer, is also now ready to return to after completing his firefighting training.

Former Everton defender John Irving, 20, is set to make his bow as Bala Town look to maintain their fine start to the season in today's home clash with Caersws, writes John Bridgwater.

"He's a fantastic signing for us and will come into the reckoning," said manager Colin Caton who hopes to have a full strength squad at his disposal.

"We've got seven points from three games which we can't grumble with but we're not getting carried away as it is a long season.

"The lads have not been fazed with being in the Welsh Premier, and we'll take each game as it comes."

CAPTION(S):

Dave Morley (left) in action for former club Macclesfield against Wrexham's Michael Proctor; Michael Johnston (above) and Neville Powell (below)