Gresford Athletic will take on title-favourites Bala Town at Maes Tegid on Friday, a match that will test the newly appointed manager Anthony Weaver’s ability to field a settled side. Weaver, who returned from a coaching stint in Norway, has been forced to give a new player a debut in every game since taking charge, and the upcoming fixture will be no different.
“We have given someone their debut in every game, and it will be the same on Friday,” Weaver said. “Every XI we put out is different. It’s literally trying to gel together and build that pitch understanding and partnerships.”
One of the main concerns for Gresford is the lack of a reliable goalkeeper. Ryley Berry, the club’s number one, had been between the sticks early in the campaign but was sent off during the first half of last weekend’s 5-0 derby defeat at Brickfield Rangers. Weaver admitted the situation was unfortunate and highlighted the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement.
“We know it’s just unfortunate how it came about,” Weaver added. “Goalkeepers are always hard to come by. We have got a really good keeper in Ryley and he has been playing well.”
Bala Town, who were relegated from the top flight last season, have enjoyed a positive start to their Cymru North campaign and are targeting a third consecutive win against Gresford. Despite the encouraging form, Bala boss Steve Fisher warned that the match would be a test.
“I think people underestimate this league and the teams that are in it will give you a game every single week,” Fisher told the club. “When Bala go anywhere to play, everybody’s going to raise their game, because we’ve dropped down from the Prem. They want to prove that they’re good enough. But, you know, every single place you go in this league, it’s a tough game.”
Fisher added that there is no place where Bala can simply walk in and expect a win. “You’ve got to go and earn it. You’ve got to go and fight and battle to earn the right to take them three points.”
With Gresford’s lineup still in flux and a goalkeeper crisis to resolve, the match against Bala Town will be a stern test of Weaver’s squad-building strategy. Bala, meanwhile, will look to extend their winning streak and prove that their recent promotion to the Cymru North was no fluke. The outcome will hinge on whether Gresford can finally find a settled XI and whether Bala can maintain the momentum that has seen them secure two victories in a row.
