HOLYWELL TOWN are ready to renew old acquaintances this evening.

During an epic 2022-23 season, the Wellmen were involved in a thrilling battle for the title with Colwyn Bay.

It was the Seagulls, then managed by ex-Wales international Steve Evans, who finished top on that occasion, while Johnny Haseldin’s side used that experience to propel themselves to the league title last season.

Tonight, Michael Wilde’s Bay host Holywell in a tasty clash.

Reflecting on players he has at his disposal this season, Haseldin said: “We feel it’s the best squad we have had in terms of quality and depth.”

Colwyn Bay and Holywell are fancied to go well this season, but Haseldin’s not reading much into that at this early point of the campaign.

“I don’t think we were favourites last year either and a couple of seasons back we were tipped to go down and finished fourth,” he told the club’s website.

Wilde says his side is just lacking a touch of confidence at the moment.

After his side’s 2-0 Welsh League Cup loss to Aberystwyth, he told the club’s YouTube channel: “We’ve had a tough, tough start to the season.

“I think the chances we created, one of them goes in and the complexion of the game changes and, also, an air of confidence then ripples through the team and I think that’s all we’re probably just lacking at the moment as well.”

Airbus have enjoyed a terrific start to the campaign and they will look to maintain their 100 per cent winning run as they play host to Llandudno.

Assistant boss Rick Chapman said it’s all about managing players’ minutes at this point.

Following a 4-1 Welsh League Cup triumph over Gresford, Chapman told the club’s X site: “I think we’ve got a very strong squad.

“We haven’t got a massive squad, so it’s important that we keep people fresh and everyone’s getting lots of minutes and, obviously, we’ve got one eye on Tuesday night as well with Llandudno.”

It’s a big game for Llay Welfare boss Phil Hudson who welcomes his former club Ruthin Town to The Ring.

“We welcome back a host of players including Dave McIntyre, Jac Lloyd, Chris Hibbert and Matt Thompson,” said Hudson.

“We will be looking to improve on our point in the opening league fixture and will do everything in our power to get the win and make it four points from six.”

Buckley Town boss Asa Hamilton says tonight’s meeting at home to Gresford Athletic is a must-win one for his side.

Hamilton told the club’s X site: “We’ve got to win Tuesday. It’s okay, Penrhyncoch’s been and gone and we’ve let ourselves down there.

“But we’ve got to beat Gresford on Tuesday.”

Buckley have failed to score in their last two matches and Hamilton added: “There’s so much potential here and... we will start scoring goals.

“And then when we do start scoring goals, that’s when it will all look rosy and sunshine.”

It’s all about consistency as far as Gresford boss Eddie Maurice-Jones is concerned.

“Teams near the top have that consistency,” he stressed. “If you look at Holywell, they don’t lose that many.”

Mold Alex will be looking to continue their promising start to the league season as they head west to tackle Bangor 1876.

In Barry Owen’s first league match at the helm, Mold impressively defeated Llandudno 3-1 in their opening encounter.

Also tonight, Prestatyn Town host Vale of Clwyd rivals Denbigh Town.