ARCH rivals Bangor City and Caernarfon Town, who became entangled in a goalless draw at Farrar Road last season, both aim to do better in today’s Boxing Day re-match.

Nev Powell’s City have lost just once in 18 games but have been held to draws in three of their last four Farrar Road outings.

And Caernarfon are concerned at their bleak return of only one point from four tests, prompting a slide down the table.

Powell said: “We are keen to keep our great run going but recognise that we must convert those frustrating home draws into wins and the immediate target is a holiday double over Caernarfon.

“But, because we are playing well and with confidence, while Caernarfon are struggling a bit, we cannot assume the results will go our way,” the manager added. “We must work for the right outcome.”

Canaries boss Steve O’Shaughnessy said: “Our priorities are to accept what chances come our way and to cut out those bad habits by the defence of giving away sloppy goals, which have meant we’ve kept no clean sheets all season.”

Bangor right-back Dave Swanick is suspended while midfielder Kieran Killackey is still injured.

Caernarfon midfielder Kieron Quinn returns, but captain and central defender Eifion Jones misses his second game of a three-match ban.

Striker John Rowley will have to play in goal again as previous first choice Vinnie Whelan has opted to return to Wrexham, while deputy Craig Vernon is unavailable.

O’Shaughnessy said: “Signing a new goalkeeper will be our first priority when the transfer window opens up in the new year.”

Caersws will be hoping their Welsh Premier improvements can extend to a first home win of the campaign in today’s derby with Newtown at the Recreation Ground, writes John Bridgwater.

Despite creditable performances on their travels, the Bluebirds have picked up just two points on home soil this term as they continue to languish third from bottom.

And manager Mike Barton is backing his side to rise to the occasion today.

“We’ve not won at home this season, so what better time to do it than against Newtown?” he said. “Hopefully it’s written in the stars for us as it’s going to be a massive game for both sides.”

Newtown defender Danny Jellicoe is still out with a shoulder injury and Robins boss Darren Ryan admitted: “Caersws is a huge game for us but we can take confidence from the fact we’re still unbeaten in December with two good draws.

“We’re now on 20 points, which was our target at the start of the season.”