MOLD ALEX have paid tribute to manager Mike Cunningham ahead of his last league match in charge of the club.

Last week, Cunningham announced his intention to step down from the role at the end of the current season and tonight’s showdown with title-chasing Flint Town United will be the final league encounter with him at the helm.

In a post on X, the club said: “It is with great sadness that we are announcing that Mike Cunningham has decided to step down from his management role, at the end of this season.

“Mike has worked tirelessly for 8 seasons and has brought the team up from tier 3 to a tier 2 4th place finish. The highest league position Mold Alex has reached in a number of years.

“Along the way Mike has brought success with a promotion as league champions, FAW cup winners and recently the WBS League Cup Northern section winners.

“Behind the scenes Mike has done far more than just managing the first team. Mike has taken on a number of junior teams, supported with countless events and worked hard with committee and volunteers to organise and bring success to the club.”

A point tonight would make sure of a top-four finish for Alex, while Lee Fowler’s Silkmen are just dealing in victories now in their quest to pip Holywell Town to the championship.

The sides last met at the start of the month and it was Flint who came out on top 6-3 in an epic encounter, with Elliot Reeves scoring four.

Flint temporarily took over at the top following their 3-0 win at Llanidloes Town on Saturday, but top spot was regained a few hours later when Holywell triumphed 2-0 away to Guilsfield. That win means Holywell require just four more points to spark a title-winning party.

They will move to within touching distance of the title if they can secure the three points at home to Llanidloes Town this evening.

Tonight will give Johnny Haseldin’s Wellmen the opportunity to say a big thank-you to their supporters.

This is Holywell’s final home league match of the campaign and to mark the occasion, the players will be giving supporters a guard of honour after the final whistle.

Holywell boss Haseldin has been full of praise for the fans after their backing over the weekend.

He said: “Even after all these years, they still surprise me! That gives the lads a lift. They play their part massively with what we’re doing. We have got that connection. They’re enjoying the run as much as we are.

“They haven’t seen us lose at Halkyn Road. We want to finish as strongly as possible for these last two games.”

One positive is a return to fitness for last season’s top scorer Dave Forbes, who could feature at some point this evening.

It’s also the closing stretch for Buckley Town, who bring the curtain down on their season with two home matches this week.

The first of these takes place tonight as Asa Hamilton’s charges, unbeaten in four matches, play host to Guilsfield.