PENRHYNCOCH hope to be close to full strength when they launch their JD Cymru North campaign with this Saturday’s tricky trip to Llanrhaeadr.

Striker Stef Davies returns to duty after missing the 2-1 Nathaniel MG Cup defeat at Ammanford, along with the versatile duo Tom Evans and Liam Lewis.

Central midfielder Ethan Rees, who has joined from Aberystwyth Under-19s, is also set to be included in a 17-man squad as the Roosters look to get their league season off to a positive start.

“It’s great to have these three guys back after missing Ammanford,” said Penrhyn manager Gari Lewis. “Stef’s a big player for us up front, and Tom and Liam have proved to be so adaptable.

“We have also signed Ethan, who is a talented young player and he will be a good addition to the squad. I’m excited for the start of the season, but also a bit nervous at the same time as it’s going to be a tough start.

“Llanrhaeadr are a difficult side to play against, they’re in your faces, and have two or three dangerous players. It’s a derby game for us, so we’re going to have to be at our best to get anything from it, but it’s a challenge that we’re all looking forward to.

“We’ve got a good mix of experience and youth, and we have been training well.”

Although early in the campaign, it is a big game for both sides, having survived a survival scrap last season, with Llan finishing one place and two points above them.

Penrhyn will want to put the record straight after losing twice to their opponents last term, firstly suffering a 1-0 reverse at home before then going down 2-1 away.

The opening league fixture will see Llanrhaeadr return to their village ground after sharing with Llansantffraid.

“They did amazingly well last season, and will be happy to be back on their own pitch, and hoping to get off to a good start,” added the Penrhyncoch manager.“Although we lost twice to them last season, there was not much between the sides, but they took their chances whereas we missed ours.”

Both clubs survived their battles for survival in the second tier last season - and the work starts all over again at a revamped Tanllan this weekend. Llanrhaeadr chairman Mel Roberts said: “Last season was great but we need to start all over again.

“Penrhyncoch always represent a tough challenge and I’m sure they won’t want to be in the same situation as last year so they will be up for the game and as a club we are delighted to be back playing in the village.”

The hosts head into the weekend with Joe Vaughan and Chris Aitken ruled out and Marc Griffiths battling injury while Matt Evans and Sam Thomas are unavailable and goalkeeper Jimmy Hayns suspended.