THE Huws Gray Alliance relegation battle took another twist this week after Penrhyncoch were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

The Roosters travel to Holyhead Hotspur on Saturday, reeling from the blow which has plunged the club back into the relegation dogfight with three games remaining, including a huge home clash with fellow strugglers Mold Alexandra next week which will likely spell doom for the losers.

Penrhyn will look to ease the crisis with three points on Anglesey on Saturday with manager Gari Lewis welcoming back a host of players rested in last week’s Central Wales Cup win over Llanrhaeadr.

Antonio Corbisiero, Jon Foligno, Jonny Evans and Dafydd Carruthers will return with Liam James and Jamie Doherty set to miss the long trip north through injury.

The points deduction has opened up the basement battle ahead of a crunch week for bottom of the table Llanfair United, starting at home to Mold Alexandra on Saturday before embarking on a Mid Wales derby at Caersws on Wednesday.

Manager Rhys Stephens said: “We are not looking at anyone else, we know what we must do and everyone is working hard to securing the points needed for survival.

“I was happy with the point against Holywell last week, we could have won but Holywell had enough chances to win the game late on and deserved a point. We must build on that now.”

Prior to their midweek derby, United will hope Caersws can do them a favour by inflicting defeat on relegation rivals Conwy Borough on Saturday.

“We expect two tough games with both fighting for survival,” said manager Graham Evans. “However we are going all out to maintain our push for a top four finish.”

Striker Will Thomas returns to the fold following suspension with goalkeeper Callum Hawthorne back from injury but midfielder Jolyon Harries is ruled out.

Guilsfield face a testing week, starting with a trip to champions Prestatyn Town this weekend before hosting high flying Gresford Athletic on Wednesday.

The Guils travel without a crop of players with James Henderson, Robbie James, Aeron Edwards, Louis Irvine and Gareth Jones doubts for the weekend.

Manager Danny Barton said: “Our season has fizzled out but we have two big games this week and a chance to prove we can compete with the top sides as we have shown already this season.”