MANAGER Gari Lewis is backing Dean Evans to make his mark for Penrhyncoch after completing his switch from Spar Mid Wales League rivals Bow Street.

The versatile campaigner joined the Cae Baker club just as Roosters front runner Jonathan Evans departed for Welsh Premier neighbours Aberystwyth Town.

“Dean’s a really good player, techincally very good, but I don’t see him as a straight replacement for Jonny,” said Lewis.

“He can play in a lot of different positions, he can play up front, but we may also try to use him in central midfield.

“He has not played a lot lately, and at the moment he’s behind the lads in terms of fitness, so his first aim is to get himself up to speed. But I see him as a good signing, who will do well for us, and he’ll further strengthen our squad, which we are going to need later in the season.”

Reflecting on the departure of 22-year-old Evans, who made his debut for Aberystwyth in last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Port Talbot, Lewis said he was delighted for the player, who has been a key part of Penrhyncoch’s success so far this term.

“He’s been brilliant this season, and goes to Aber with our blessing,” said Lewis. “We’re obviously sad to see him go, but it’s a wonderful chance for him at a higher level and we wish him the best.”

Meanwhile, Penrhyncoch’s fixture backlog continues to grow after suffering more frustration with the wet weather when their home clash with Hay St Mary’s was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

It added to the concerns, with the high flying Roosters, having played just 11 games in the Spar Mid Wales League division one - and still have 15 to fit in - although their cause has been helped with fewer teams in the league this season.

They also still have commitments in three knockout competitions, including the FAW Trophy, Central Wales Cup and Spar Mid Wales League Cup, and are facing a busy second half of the season with the games set to come thick and fast.

Penrhyn are due to visit improving Welshpool on Saturday, a side they drew 2-2 against last month at Cae Baker after recovering from a two-goal deficit.

They will be looking over their shoulders at Knighton Town who were 2-0 winners against Llandrindod Wells in their derby last Saturday, to move up to fourth spot, two points off the leaders.

The Roosters will be hopeful that their trip to Welshpool will go ahead this weekend with a more settled weather forecast.

Meanwhile, they have been exploring the possibility of playing their delayed Central Wales Cup third round tie away to Llandrindod Wells on Newtown’s 4G pitch to avoid any more postponements.

Lewis believes his squad will be strong enough to cope with a busy spell of fixtures late in the season, and will be looking to include Liam James, who is currently ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Matthew Evans is another player who is part of Lewis’ plans, but former Aberystwyth Town midfielder Bari Morgan is unlikely to figure until late in the season after his operation to remedy a hip injury.