RIVALS Buckley Town and Gresford Athletic clash tomorrow with both teams eager to start November with a bang.

The duo go head-to-head at Globe Way with vital points at stake in the quest to climb away from the relegation zone.

Both sides are locked on 10 points, Gresford ahead of 13th placed Buckley, who have a game in-hand, by one spot courtesy of goal difference.

Buckley follow the meeting with Gresford by tackling top-six trio Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and Conwy Borough between now and the end of the month, while Athletic face Bangor, Flint and Llangefni, so both teams know the importance of a positive result this weekend.

“November is an important month for us and we need to get the month off to a positive start as we look to chase down the teams above us,” said Buckley boss Dan Moore, who won’t be under-estimating visiting Gresford, adding: “As is the case every week, we have a tough game ahead. We know how good Gresford can be and we’ll have to be at our very best to get anything from the game.”

Gresford director of football Steve Halliwell is also well aware of what’s at stake in Flintshire tomorrow afternoon

“It’s a massive game, a derby game,” said Halliwell. “Buckley are going through the same thing as we are results-wise at the moment and there is a chance for us or them to pull away with a win.

“I expect it will be an extremely tight game and hopefully their pitch stands up to the weather, because we definitely want the game on.

“We know we’ve got a tricky run coming up after we face Buckley, so we know we can’t afford to take the game lightly if we are to try and get an important three points.

“We know what to expect from Buckley after playing them twice last season. They are a very direct and physical side, who give everything for their manager.

“We need to match that effort and commitment and hopefully we can come out on top.”

Jordan MacCarter, Adam Hesp and Ryan Williams return for Gresford, who are hopeful of having Paul Williams and Aaron Edwards available for selection, while Buckley have a fully fit group to pick from.

Boss Moore added: “We will be picking the squad we feel will give us the best possible chance of winning the game.”

Former Gresford Athletic boss, Eddie Maurice-Jones will be looking for Rhyl to return to winning ways at Conwy Borough tomorrow.

The Lilywhites, who have slipped to fourth place in the table, were surprisingly defeated 3-0 at home by Colwyn Bay in the only second-tier game to beat the wet weather last weekend.