WHILE it's still the height of summer, two local sides are preparing for the competitive football season to get underway.

JD Cymru North rivals Corwen and Ruthin Town will open their campaigns on Saturday in the first round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

Danny Jellicoe's Corwen will head to Berriew, while Ruthin welcome Guilsfield to Memorial Park Fields.

Following the success of gaining promotion from the Wrexham Area League last season, Corwen will be anticipating a tough campaign this time out in the second tier.

They will be favourites as Mid Wales League outfit Berriew, who finished up a lofty third in their division last season.

Elsewhere, it will be a battle of the Huws Gray Alliance high-flyers at Memorial Park Fields.

Among illustrious company, Ruthin Town and Guilsfield both finished in the top-six last season.

Ruthin were sixth on 43 points, two points and one position behind their Mid Wales rivals.

"It's a good little marker at how far away we are at the moment," said Ruthin Town boss Chris Williams.

Ryan Jones and Alex Webster are both unavailable, but Gwion Owen and new signing Dan Cox are expected to figure.

Meanwhile, JD Cymru Premier Bala Town are continuing to build their squad for the forthcoming season - and they have this week added a fifth player to the squad at Maes Tegid.

Joining the Lakesiders is 26-year-old midfielder Lassana Mendes, who spent last season at Colwyn Bay.

Named as the supporters and manager's player of the year whilst at Colwyn Bay, Lassana has recently been on trial at Crewe Alexandra.

Representing Spanish Second Division clubs Cadiz, CD Roquetas and PV EJido whilst in Spain, Mendes arrived in England, where he has played for both Radcliffe Borough and Stalybridge Celtic before moving to Colwyn Bay in September 2017.

Mendes will wear the number 20 shirt for Bala.