MATCH PREVIEW: Gresford vs Denbigh Town
IMAGE COURTESY OF GRESFORD FC
Gresford host Denbigh Town at Clappers Lane 2:00 Kick off in the First Round proper of the JD Welsh Cup.
Both teams enter round one of the JD Welsh Cup looking to put a good cup run together.Gresford come into this game on a four match unbeaten run as last week saw Gresford beat Denbigh 4-2. Gresford sit in seventh place in the Huws Gray Alliance.
Gresford’s Jake Eyre will be looking to continue his good form in front of goal; Jake is the second highest goalscorer in the league this season. Denbigh have got off to bad start in the Huws Gray Alliance. Denbigh will be looking for revenge over Gresford after their last match. Denbigh sit eleventh in the Huws Gray Alliance
Denbigh will be looking for Alan Bull to be on form for this game if Denbigh want progress through.
We spoke to Gresford FC Manger Eddie Maurice-Jones on his thoughts on the upcoming game.
Is one of the targets to have a good cup run?
Yes, it is important to have a good cup run and our ambition to do well is equalled by our enthusiasm to also finish well in the league. To progress in both means a lot to us and obviously doing well in the league each week gives us more confidence to fix our sights on a good cup run.
Eddie, please could you introduce your team and explain what kind of team you are?
Firstly I want to record how privileged I am to be managing such a strong and committed team of players. The majority of the squad have been with the team for as long as I have (this is my third season), I’ve been lucky enough to add some quality each season to strengthen the squad and add some healthy competition throughout.
I am reluctant to single out any particular players as they all have their own strengths and qualities which go to make up the team. I would like to think that we are a competitive team, always keen and ‘up for it’.
I know we are a close team and I put this down to the diverse personalities on and off the pitch, we do come together as friends outside of training and this underpins the connection.
How important is the cup run for the Club?
It is in the Club’s best interests to progress in the Cup, particularly in terms of the financial benefits. The Club is developing all the time and there is always an impact on resources. I’d hope that we can repay the support we have from the Club by doing well and bringing some much welcomed extra income.
Is playing at home an advantage?
Yes, there are certain advantages to playing at home, it obviously takes the pressure off players travelling to away games. It also allows players and staff to keep to their routine leading up to a match, they are more comfortable with the familiar facilities.
This means that they are not distracted by the unknown. It also means that their regular supporters are more likely to attend. However, I doubt that any of the reasons given allows more than a slight edge and that the players approach all games with the same professionalism.
