RHYL manager John Hulse will be checking on four key players as the Lilywhites bid for a double over title rivals Carmarthen Town today and reclaim third place in the table.

Washed out last week, Rhyl were pushed down a rung to fourth as Carmarthen cashed in and routed Connah’s Quay Nomads 8-0.

“These are the kind of games we like most and we are going there on the back of an excellent win at Port Talbot last time out,” said upbeat Hulse.

“Carmarthen are a top side as they proved in winning the Welsh Cup last season and qualifying for Europe so we know the size of the task we are facing.

“We beat them at our place by the odd goal earlier in the season but we could have won by a bigger margin on the day. They will be out to put that right having lost only one of their last six games.”

The Rhyl chief was delighted with Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Holyhead in the Coast Challenge Cup when he was able to bring on striker Lee Hunt as substitute following his two-match ban as well as give a run out to returning injured players Jimmy Kelly and Carl Ruffer as well as keeper John Gann.

“It was a useful game against a good young Holyhead side and now we’ll be checking on any reaction,” said Hulse.

First-choice keeper Lee Kendall was rested as a precaution, having taken a nasty knock at Port Talbot but is expected to reclaim the jersey.

“He could have played Tuesday if need be, but we gave him a few extra days for safety sake so there should be no problem there,” added the boss.

“Our target is to get a decent run going and to start climbing back up the table. We know from past experience that Carmarthen is always a difficult place to get a result.”