City aim must get better to halt Town rise.

Byline: DAVE JONES 

BANGOR will need to improve on their recent finishing if they are to jolt Prestatyn Town's rise to prominence this evening, believes City boss Neville Powell.

While no-one is shocked to see the likes of Rhyl, Llanelli, Neath and The New Saints up near the Welsh Premier summit, fourth-placed Prestatyn have been a real surprise package.

Undefeated in eight league starts, Town have already claimed away wins at Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Caersws, as well as taking a point at Port Talbot, and would love to add Farrar Road to their list of successful hunting grounds tonight.

City, by contrast, are languishing down in 12th spot although a first win in six games at Welshpool last weekend has raised the spirits in the Welsh Cup holders' camp.

"It's going to be a fascinating game with Prestatyn going so well," said Powell. "Everyone's looking forward to it; the lads are raring to go. A big crowd will be there and if we can take our chances when they come along we can hopefully come away with three points.

"We do need to start making the most of the goalscoring opportunities that come our way as that's all that's been missing."

Midfielder Kieran Killackey is expected to be out for over a month following a double groin operation, but apart from him and long-term casualty Les Davies, Bangor should have a full squad available.

Promising youngster Clive Williams, who missed last Saturday's trip to Welshpool with a dead leg, will be back in contention.

"Dave Morley showed no ill effects from his recent hamstring problems at Welshpool, so apart from Kieran and Les everyone is fit and raring to go," Powell added. Prestatyn will be assessing the fitness of key central defender Paul O'Neill ahead of this evening's visit to Farrar Road.

Former Bangor City captain O'Neill, who joined the Seasiders from Rhyl in the summer, came off at half time of last Friday's 3-2 win over Gap Connah's Quay as a precaution with a tight hamstring, but manager Neil Gibson is hopeful he will be fit to face his old club.

"Paul is touch-and-go and we'll be leaving a decision on him until as late as possible," he said.

Wideman Steve Hoult, who was not risked for the Quay game due to a hamstring pull, comes into the reckoning for the Bangor test. Striker Ian Griffiths is still out through suspension.

Prestatyn drew twice with City last season, the Farrar Road encounter ending 1-1. "Farrar Road always has a decent atmosphere and especially with it being a Friday night there should be a good crowd," added player-boss Gibson. "We'll try to continue our good run but are mindful of the fact Bangor returned to winning ways last weekend."

CAPTION(S):

City youngster Clive Williams tries an overhead kick against The New Saints