Key Cymru North clash as Mold have a Gresford away clash

Alex did put up a great fight before losing 2-1 at top flight Cardiff Met in the Welsh Cup a week ago.

“It was a close game,” said Mold manager Mike Cunningham.

“First half, we were maybe a little rabbit in headlights but second half, when we settled, we did okay.

“I think we can do do better but it certainly gave us an understanding of levels our performances need to reach.”

Last week gave Mold perfect preparation for playing on a 3G surface as Athletic’s home game now take place at The Rock in Cefn Mawr.

“Footballing wise, it will great to be on a3G but after last week we have lost two players to potential long term ankle injuries – and that doesn’t happen on a grass pitch,” added Cunningham.

“Our squad is being stretched at the moment with Dom Doherty and Jamie Reed still out long term. A big positive last week, Josh Watkins returned after a long period out.”

Gresford are currently sit seventh in the table but boss Eddie Maurice-Jones is eyeing up a top-five berth by the end of the year.

“That’s always been our goal,” he said. “From last year, we under-achieved with the players we had.

“We know we had a bit of a transitional period that lasted a bit longer than we would have liked.

“I would like to be in the top-five come Christmas. That’s what I have challenged the lads.”

As things stand, Gresford are six points adrift of fifth-placed Denbigh Town, however confidence will be high that Athletic will be able to climb the rankings.

While they’ve failed to win any of their last three games, Gresford did manage to win eight games on the bounce earlier in the autumn.

Gresford will be looking to bounce back from a heart-breaking Welsh Cup defeat on their travels last time out.

Athletic drew 3-3 at Cymru South Caerau Ely, before the hosts made it through with a 4-3 penalty shootout triumph.

Charley Edge, Haci Ozlu and Toby Gallagher-Keenan were on target for Maurice-Jones’ side.