Holywell Town boss Gareth Sudlow expects an 'unbelievably tough' campaign in the Cymru Alliance next season.

The new Wellmen boss took charge of his first pre-season training session this week and is braced for a stern test next term.

Following the departure of John Haseldin, who guided the club to three successive top-five finishes in the Welsh second tier, Sudlow is determined to emulate that record.

He said: "It is going to be very tough this season with the relegation of Bangor into the mix in what was already an unbelievably tough league with the likes of Rhyl, Airbus, Flint, Porthmadog just to mention a few.

"There will be no easy games at all this season but that’s what we all want.

"Entertaining matches week in, week out and that’s why in my eyes it’s the best league in Wales. The teams I’ve mentioned will all be thereabouts and it’s up to us to be in the mix with them.

"My vision for the future is to keep the club on the steady rise it’s been on for a numerous amount of years now, progressing us forward and keep us challenging at the top end of this league.

"It’s been hectic, very hectic but I feel we are making great strides now and looking forward to pre season training starting this week. I had to get a backroom of staff that i know and trust and are of the highest standard and I believe I have that now and can’t wait to get going properly."

Flintshire rivals Airbus are in pre-season action at home to Sam Ricketts' Wrexham side tomorrow.

The fixture follows a 4-3 home win in their pre-season opener against North West Counties Premier Division side Runcorn Town.

The Wingmakers took the lead midway through the first half when new signing Asa Hamilton slotted home at the second attempt from a penalty that was initially saved by keeper Adam Reid.

Town were level just seven minutes later, however, when Luke Edwards drilled a low shot into the net from 10-yards out.

Airbus regained the initiative after a flurry of goals early in the second half with James Hooper slotting home past Reid, before Kev Exell equalised with a chip from 10-yards out.

A cross from the right was then despatched into the bottom left hand corner by Wingmakers midfielder Nathan Quirk before a trialist finished-off a good passing move to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.

After the Red Arrows had stolen the show with a nearby formation flypast, Runcorn responded through Jones who grabbed his second of the afternoon.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Niall McGuinness takes his Flint Town United side to Brymbo for their first game of pre-season.

Fellow Welsh National League side Mold Alexandra go to Mynydd Isa while Rhostyllen face New Brighton Villa.