PENRHYNCOCH manager Gari Lewis insists this Saturday’s crunch showdown with new leaders Knighton Town at Cae Baker will not decide the Spar Mid Wales League division one crown.

The Roosters lost top spot to the in-form Radnor Robins after their home clash with struggling Montgomery Town had to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Cae Baker last Saturday.

Knighton, who started the day in second place, took full advantage to go a point clear at the top with a 2-1 win at Waterloo Rovers in one of only a few games to beat the weather last weekend.

Penrhyn do have a game in hand, as the race for the title shapes up to be a very close fought affair - but Lewis insisted that there is still a long way to go in the title chase, regardless of the outcome of this weekend’s encounter against Knighton.

“It’s obviously a big game for both teams, but we’re still only half way through the season and there is still a very long way to go,” said the former Aberystwyth Town midfielder.

“I won’t be putting any extra pressure on the boys as I don’t think this Saturday’s game will have a real big bearing on the league, as Llanrhaeadr and Carno are also in the mix.

“It’s obviously one we really want to win, and with us unbeaten in the league in 13 games, and them having the best defensive record, with just 10 goals conceded in 14 matches, then something will have to give.

“They have done incredibly well after coming up into division one this season, they are a big, physical side, and we will have to match that.

“Knighton are strong from the set-pieces, but so are we, and we want to show them what we’re all about.”

Penrhyn skipper Josh Shaw comes into contention after missing the last two games through suspension.

Meanwhile Lewis admitted that it was frustrating to miss last weekend, but he said there was little option but to call the game off, with the Cae Baker pitch holding water and with the forecast of more rain to come.

“It gave us the chance to have a day off, and for the lads to have a rest as some players picked up a few knocks in the cup win away at Llandrindod Wells in midweek,” he added.

The Roosters boss was delighted with the performance as his side ran out 4-0 winners away to Llandrindod, to set up a fourth round trip to Cymru Alliance side Guilsfield in the Central Wales Senior Challenge Cup.

Nathan Warren scored twice for the Roosters, with Arron Lemon and Mattie Davies also finding the net.

“The conditions were awful, but the lads showed a lot of energy, and put in a good performance, one of the best of the season,” Lewis said.