Gresford Athletic boss Steve Halliwell has been left frustrated by player demands in his efforts to reinforce his squad this summer.

The Colliers' pre-season preparations have been hit by the departures of key players and recruiting replacements has proved difficult.

Halliwell called some of the squads being assembled by their Cymru Alliance rivals 'frightening' and has already tempered expectations about the season ahead.

He said: "Of course we want to bring in quality to replace what we've lost, but that's been really tough to do this summer.

"We've lost the likes of Max Peate, Dave McIntyre and Mikey Latham and those three are massive losses for this club.

"Approaching new players about joining the club is one thing, but then you find out the money their demanding and it just can't be done.

"Looking at the players and money being paid at this level so far this summer has been frightening.

"I think sometimes, players need reminding about the level of football they're playing at before they talk too much about money.

"As things stand, it's a bit of a reversal of where we were at this stage last summer when we had lots of defensive options and were short up top.

"Now we're blessed with a lot of forwards but are struggling at the back.

"We'll keep looking to strengthen where we can with the funds we have available, but the ways things are looking for the league next season it could be about consolidation for us."

Gresford began their pre-season campaign with a routine 3-0 win over Morecambe's U23s side at Colliers Lane.

New signing Jordan MacCarter fired the hosts into a first half lead, before Jake Eyre netted twice after the interval to cap a solid win.

"It was a pleasing display from us" added Halliwell.

"We changed the shape a bit, with nine lads making their debuts and we fielded three different lads in attack in each half.

"I'm delighted that Jordan's got himself on the scoresheet early on. He's a big lad and a player I've liked for a long time, so hopefully he'll bring a physical presence to us up top.

"There seems to be a good spirit among the lads too and a vocal dressing room, which is good to see."

Gresford make the short trip to face Brymbo Under 19s tomorrow, while Alliance rivals Holywell Town travel to reigning West Cheshire Division One champions South Liverpool.

After their 3-0 loss to Whitchurch Alport in midweek, Flint Town United return to action at Neston Nomads on Saturday.

Flintshire rivals Airbus and Buckley Town face North West Counties League opposition when they entertain Chadderton and Litherland Remyca respectively.

Welsh National League side Cefn Albion kick-off their pre-season tomorrow, when Welshpool Town visit The Rock.

A swift fixture turnaround sees Cefn Mawr Rangers host Llay Welfare tonight, before Rangers face an away trip to Caerwys tomorrow afternoon.