KEEP on running has been the message at Buckley Town!

There was no such thing as a week of rest and relaxation for Buckley’s players, as they had a free weekend due to the Welsh Cup being in the spotlight.

However, boss Asa Hamilton, preparing for tonight’s trip to Denbigh, said: “All of us had to run 25k last week and train.

“They’re so fit compared to me!”

Buckley will be taking further strides in their efforts to maintain the positive form, which has seen Town occupy a top-four spot with almost half of the season completed.

“We have been where we need to be,” stressed Hamilton, who has seen his side triumph in their last three matches.

“After the Caersws game, we had a fair chat with ourselves and realised we had to change a few things.

“The mood has been back to where it used to be.”

A major boost for Buckley this weekend is the return of Brad Knight.

The striker has been out since the end of September and he will be looking to increase his six-goal tally for the season.

“Big Brad’s back on Friday,” said Hamilton. “He’s only 19 or 20, but I think he will be one of the best strikers in the league.”

Sam McCormick is also back for Buckley for tonight’s away encounter at Central Park.

If leaders Airbus and second-placed Colwyn Bay drop points, Hamilton wants Buckley to be in the ideal position to capitalise. “We have got to keep winning games,” he added.

Denbigh’s Central Park pitch is one of the best in North Wales and it is a place that has been a happy hunting ground for Hamilton.

“I love that pitch to be fair. I have always done well when I’ve played there,” added Hamilton, who is expected to be on the bench.

Airbus boss Mark Allen (pictured right) has been keen to keep players focused ahead of this evening’s home encounter with Gresford Athletic.

The Wingmakers will be looking to maintain their four-point advantage at the top, but Allen is taking nothing for granted.

He told the club’s X site: “I think they’ve picked up a few good results.

“So, we don’t go into any game being complacent.

“We have to prepare over the week and make sure that we’re ready for them.

“They’ll be comfortable in the surroundings as they play here... and we need to make sure that we look after ourselves, play well and we’ll be going for three points.”

Allen says that while players may come back into contention, he is pleased with the squad depth at his disposal.

Reflecting on last Saturday’s 7-1 win over Goytre in the Welsh Cup, Allen said: “I think today really shows the strength of our squad.”

Gresford boss Eddie Maurice-Jones said: “The free week has allowed players to rest and recharge themselves before a tough few weeks. It is vital we don’t allow the break to stop us building on a much-improved performance against Mold.

“The commitment and dedication the players have shown through a tough learning period has been unbelievable. The key now is consistency and to keep raising the standard we have set ourselves.”

Looking at this evening’s hosts, Maurice-Jones added: “Airbus have impressed me loads this season and deserve to be leading the way at the halfway point. Mark has assembled a brilliant squad with a good mixture of experience and youth.

“We know exactly what to expect and that we will be put through our paces. The key is to continue playing to our strengths and making the right decisions defensively.”