LEE FOWLER has praised the style of play Neil Gibson has evolved at Connah’s Quay Nomads since their move to the Essity Stadium.

Free-scoring Nomads will tackle Flint Town United in the stand-out tie of the fourth round in front of S4C’s Sgorio cameras in tomorrow’s 5.35pm kick-off.

Flint are not shy in going forward themselves, which has helped them occupy a spot in the top-three of Cymru North this season.

Ahead of the big derby, Silkmen boss Fowler said: “Listen, what Gibbo has done to the team, it’s transformed Connah’s Quay’s style of play.

“The players have responded to it really well. It’s a different type of team we’re coming up against.

“They get the ball down and play football.

“The flipping change of the style of play is very dramatic. They’re good to watch.”

It is a knockout tie, though, and Fowler is keen to give top flight Nomads plenty of food for thought.

“We will have to have our wits about us because they’re a very well coached team,” he added.

“There’s no way Gibbo will see us as an easy game. Last time we played them it was a 0-0 draw.

“If we can stick to the game plan and impose our structure on their weaknesses, we fancy our chances.

“But if Connah’s Quay get a foothold, we will have to prepare for every eventuality.

“Gibbo’s team are a high-scoring team. I think we are the joint top scorers in our league.

“We have got to try and combat their threat, which will be difficult. We have got to keep it tight.”

Gibson, who left Flint to take over at Nomads, admits he’s been back to The Essity Stadium to watch Fowler’s side this season.

“I was at the game when they beat Llanidloes 9-4 and it’s fair to say that they are now playing the way Fowls wants them to play,” said Gibson, whose side also now ground-share with their Flintshire rivals.

“I think they’re a much better side this season; they’ve got more attacking players and are giving it a good go in terms of trying to get back into the Cymru Premier.

“They like scoring goals and the 3G surface suits the way I want my teams to play so I can’t see it being a 0-0!”

Gibson isn’t the only link heading into tomorrow’s game.

“Obviously my staff were at Flint with me and there’s a few ex-players like Ben Nash and Michael Wilde,” added Gibson.

“They’ve got Jake Phillips and Danny Harrison, who I’ve coached before.

“It all adds to occasion and it’s good that this one is on Sgorio. It should be a good game.”

Nomads are averaging four goals a game this season at their new ground and have netted 52 in 18 outings so far.

“We only scored 45 in 30 last season so that’s a big positive,” added Gibson for whom Jordan Davies is enjoying a stellar season and is one goal away from hitting the 20 mark.

“I knew what Jordan was capable of having had him as a player at Prestatyn. He’s playing well but we’re all playing well as a team.

“We now have to keep that form going and see where it takes us.”