Halliwell says Gresford coping without Eyre

Gresford Athletic take on Holywell Town this weekend in the Huws Gray Alliance, manager Steve Halliwell speaks pre-match on where his side can perform against their opponents. 

In Gresford’s last match, they lost the game 5-2 despite taking the lead twice, which begs the question about the game being of two halves and perhaps defensive problems. 

“We went a goal in front twice, perhaps with the first goal we were fortunate as it was undeserved but the lads were under immense pressure from the first whistle and were coping brilliantly with the way Caernarfon contained the ball and how they were attacking wise.

We failed to deal with a corner and they were first to a second ball to equalise. Dave McIntyre hammered one in from 30 yards and I had feeling we could nick the win. We go in at half time 2-2 but I say it’s vital we keep ourselves in the game for as long as possible.

Within 90 seconds they scored and our heads seemed to drop. We were sloppy in possession and in the end they were fitter than us and their quality showed as they rose to the top.”

With a free weekend available to Gresford with no game. Haliwell opted not to attend Holyhead v Holywell due to work commitments but knows what Holywell can offer. 

“Holywell are a decent side but seem to have come into a bit of bad form, they’ve not won a game since October but I am asure that they will be itching to put that right against us on Saturday. They have strengthened in the week, with some proven quality players coming into the club. I am expecting a very competitive and exciting game.”

Liam Walsh and Dom Doherty joined Steve Halliwell’s side last week and the manager has heaped praise on his relatively young signings.

“The two boys we have signed this week are very hungry young talented players who are keen to make an impression for their parent sides. For them to do that they will need to be playing week in week out for a decent side.

Liam has been playing for Prestatyn but was not played in his preferred position so he will be playing as a right-sided defender for us. Dom is also another exciting prospect and we will be looking for him as the creative option in our midfield, with him hopefully chipping in with a few goals. “

Jake Eyre had been in fine form for Gresford and with him departing for Denbigh Town, managed by former Gresford boss Eddie Maurice-Jones, but Halliwell was consigned to losing him as he took charge of the club.

“When Eddie left for Denbigh I knew Jake would be one of the players he would be taking with him, so I never included him in my plans moving forward. I am happy with our attacking options and if somebody who could score goals at this level became available, I would bring them in.

So far we have been lucky that our goals have come from all areas of the pitch, with everyone getting in on the act but losing a player of Jake’s quality has opened the door for others to step forward and show everyone what they can do. I’m so far happy with the way everyone has played.”

Gresford kick off against Holywell Town at home with a 14:00 kick off.