ASA HAMILTON is hoping his Buckley Town side can ground the high-flying Wingmakers tomorrow.
It’s a big Flintshire showdown as unbeaten leaders Airbus head to The Globe, home of fifth-placed Buckley.
Buckley boss Hamilton admitted: “Airbus are a great team. I’ve got a lot of respect for Mark Allen.
“He was skipper for Airbus when I was there. He’s a proper gentleman and I’m over the moon he’s doing well.
“But I am just hoping they have an off-day on Saturday.”
Nick Grogan and Alex Boydell are set to once more be important players for Buckley tomorrow and the hosts have lost out in their last two matches.
“We are creating chances,” added Hamilton. “We’re just being a little bit unlucky. Someone before long is going to get beaten five-or-six.”
Airbus have won all six of their league matches to open the season in style and boss Allen told the club’s website: “Looking forward to the game and getting back to our main focus for the season, which is the league.
“We need to be prepared and ready for the game and want to go there and win.”
A real positive is the return from injury of Jake Eyre and Allen added: “Really wonderful to have Jake back playing. I know I speak for everyone at the club saying that.
“He’s had a real tough time and it seems he’s coming out the end of the tunnel. It’s testimony to him that he’s come through a difficult time personally and as a player to be back on the pitch.
“He’s a great individual around our changing room that we wouldn’t want to swap.”
There’s a top-four battle at Halkyn Road, where second-placed Holywell Town host Bangor 1876.
The Wellmen are seeking a fifth win in a row in all competitions and team boss Johnny Haseldin said: “The league table’s irrelevant at this time of year.
“They’re a good side and they have got a good manager. It’s what we do is the most important thing. We’re looking forward to being back at home, with a great atmosphere and the new stand open.
“We’re hoping it will be a good atmosphere. They will back their team as much as our fans will.
“We will keep doing what we’re doing and going about our business quietly.”
New signings Mark Winslade and Macauley Taylor could feature, while Ryan Edwards and Myles Hart will push for places in the squad.
Gresford Athletic open the weekend action away at Ruthin Town this evening.
Both sides go into the match following 3-0 wins in the Cymru North Cup, with Gresford’s success coming in impressive fashion against boss Eddie Maurice-Jones’ former club Denbigh Town.
Maurice-Jones said: “A bit like us last season, I think they’re going to be a team you have to watch.
“They have got some really good players. We’re going to have to be as good as Saturday, if not better.
“But we’re confident we can definitely go there and give them a game. It will be a tough battle and very competitive.”
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