HIGH-FLYING Penrhyncoch go into the New Year as favourites to lift the Spar Mid Wales League division one crown, but manager Gari Lewis insists there’s plenty of hard work ahead.

The Roosters play their first league outing of 2016 when they host Hay St Mary’s on Saturday, and they are looking to continue the kind of unbeaten form that had lifted them to the top of the table before Christmas.

Lewis, however, knows there can be no half measures against a very capable Hay outfit, who impressed when drawing 4-4 at home in September.

“When we played them away I felt that they were one of the best sides I have seen this season,” Lewis said.

“They may have been a bit up and down since, but I’m expecting a tough challenge as they are capable of beating anyone on their day, and I’ll be telling the boys to be on their guard.

“We’re up there to be shot down, so it’s important we start well and carry on from where we left off last year.”

He added: “I expect the title race to be close, and nothing is going to be decided until late in the season, with Carno, Llanrhaeadr and Knighton Town all very much in the frame.”

Midfielder Arron Lemon and defender Aiden Nyhus both return to the team after missing the festive period, but Jon Foligno is again unlikely to figure as he recovers from illness.

Penrhyn go into the New Year top of the table on goal difference from both Carno and Welshpool, who have played six games more, while Hay are currently seventh, with a mixed run of six wins, seven defeats and one draw.

Lewis is keen to keep his side on their toes after their Central Wales Cup third round tie at Llandrindod was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last Saturday. It is hoped to reschedule the game for next Tuesday.

The winners will face a tough fourth round trip to take on Cymru Alliance outfit Guilsfield, who were 5-0 winners against Knighton Town at Newtown’s Latham Park last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Penrhyn player-boss has revealed that the club are still hoping to bring in a versatile striker to bolster their squad options this week, following a delay to his transfer.