COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg said being the underdogs “could work in their favour” ahead of a pivotal early season cash against Prestatyn Town.

The Seagulls’ travel to the JD Cymru North title favourites on Saturday, and Hogg is aiming for his side to build on their first triumph of the campaign over derby rivals Llandudno last weekend.

Neil Gibson’s men will also be looking to make a statement and get back to winning ways after a demoralising loss at Rhyl.

Hogg, said: “We were pleased to come out on top in the derby and I feel the result was what we deserved on the day.

“Performances have largely been okay in our opening three games, but the priority was to get something from the Llandudno fixture as our follow-on match is a really tough one away to Prestatyn.

“Our hosts on Saturday are a good side and have started their campaign very well.

“They have a good squad who, for the majority, have worked together before and have a manager who is more than proven at this level.

“We are expecting a challenging game on the pitch and a big tactical battle from the technical area and that’s quite compelling if you look at this game on those merits.

“Us being the underdog in the fixture could we’ll work in our favour, but as long as we compete and give a good account, then I’ll be a happy coach at full time.”

The Bay boss, who is in his first full season at the helm, is also looking for Saturday’s contest to be another “really valuable learning curve” as his talented squad continue to find their feet during the initial stages of their first season back within the Welsh pyramid system.

“Teams like Prestatyn have done very well at this level historically and they are another team who we can learn a great deal from,” added Hogg.

“They are title favourites for a reason and that’s the level we want to be at as a club, in the seasons that follow this one.”