Denbigh’s clash with Gresford in the Huws Gray Alliance will be a landmark fixture for Denbigh manager Eddie Maurice-Jones, as he faces his former team for the first time.
With Gresford fourth, unbeaten in four and 17 points clear of their hosts, Saturday will be an almighty test for Denbigh. Y Clwb Pel Droed caught up with Eddie Maurice Jones, who gave his thoughts on the match ahead.
Preparing for the game, Maurice Jones comes onto the game off the back of a pleasing 3-1 win against Mold.
“Yes, I was very pleased with our performance at Mold. It was a much improved performance from our defeat to our game v Holywell where we let our standards drop from what we’ve come to expect at Denbigh.
It was great to see the players react in the manner they did. I felt we controlled the game for large periods but lacked quality in the final third. We were disappointed not to have capitalised on some of the opportunities we created.”
Maurice-Jones has mixed emotions ahead of the Gresford game but knows focus must remain on the job in hand.
“Most definitely some mixed emotions and that’s to be expected. I have fond memories of my time at Gresford and some of my closest friends are still there. However this should not distract me and I will approach the game in a professional way. I am looking forward to welcoming Gresford to Denbigh and will need to put emotion aside and concentrate on the game.”
Expanding on the very recent history between the two sides, Maurice-Jones goes further to outline the importance of composure if Denbigh are to be successful on the day.
It’s vital that we don’t get drawn into the moment or are side-tracked by anything other than focusing on the game. We will need to stay composed and concentrate and I know we are more than capable of putting on a response to anything the visitors have to bring.”
Maurice-Jones is looking forward to welcoming his good friend and current Gresford manager Steve Halliwell and is relishing the challenge of facing up with him.
“It is fair to say that yes, I am looking forward to coming up against Steve. I have a great friendship with Steve and it will be good to go head to head.”
Maurice-Jones confirms Tony Davies is struggling with a tight hamstring, and can’t envisage any major changes to his side from the previous week.
“Tony Davies missed out last Saturday due to a tight hamstring; he did train on Tuesday so we’ll see how he is after that before making a decision. I don’t foresee any major changes to the team from those who played last Saturday.”
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