RHYL have top scorer Lee Hunt back against lowly Newtown today to spearhead manager John Hulse’s call for an instant return to winning ways.

Disappointed at dropping two points in last week’s goal-less draw at home to rivals Welshpool, the Rhyl boss said: “We know that teams come to Belle Vue looking to frustrate us so we need to be alert and get back to playing strong, attacking football and not trying to force it.

“We had 80% of the play against Welshpool but failed to make it count.

“After this there are only ten matches remaining which means fewer opportunities for the teams below us to close the gap, making every game we win an increasing advantage.”

Hunt, who missed the Welshpool stalemate because of illness, is sure to start while midfielder Gaz Wilson will have another outing with the reserves as his return to senior service following injury draws near.

Dylan Owen is doubtful with a hamstring pull but will have a late fitness test.

Newtown travel to Rhyl desperately needing points, writes John Bridgwater.

The Robins continue to languish too close for comfort near the drop zone following their 4-0 loss against The New Saints in their last outing.

"We've got our hardest spell of the season at the moment, we've just played Llanelli and TNS and now we go to Rhyl," said manager Darren Ryan.

"It's another tough one but I'll have no qualms as long as we battle and work hard.

"I thought our performance against TNS was a massive improvement from the Llanelli game.

"We dug in and battled and were a bit unlucky to be 1-0 down at half time, but they turned the screw in the second half.

"I was pleased with the way we played and the way we kept our heads up. I know we need a bit more quality, but I won't have a go at the lads if they give me that sort of commitment every game"

Nicky Jones, a recent recruit from Port Talbot, is set to make his debut following a back problem but Justin Wickham remains unavailable.

"It's important we quickly get some more points on the board, two wins could be enough," added Ryan.

Porthmadog host Newi Cefn Druids determined to go flat out for a win.

Port’s joint manager Viv Williams said: ”While this is a must-not-lose game for us, what we really want is the three points.

“Our nine league draws included a majority of situations where we should have finished as winners and, with perhaps 12 more points, we would be comfortably in mid-table, with Premier Cup entry assured.

“As things stand, we are having to battle to make that group, and it is a priority, because of the financial boost it can gain for the club.”

Porthmadog’ striker Marcus Orlik is doubtful, after taking a dead leg at Caernarfon Town last weekend, while another front player Kevin Roberts is recalled and midfielder Aled Rowlands is available.

Druids, who had steadily climbed away from danger since the turn of the year, have seen back-to-back home defeats stall their revival.

Forward Lee Jones is suspended after being red-carded in last Tuesday’s 2-1 loss against Aberystwyth Town, but another former Wrexham striker, Steve Watkin, is available again after his one-match ban.

Druids will be looking for better fortunes in this year’s visit to the Traeth after having lost 5-0 there last season.