December 17, 2020 - 895 views
Colwyn Bay FC boss Craig Hogg says his side will be “as ready as they can be” when the new Cymru North season starts in the New Year.
The Bay returned to competitive action after nine months with a penalty shoot-out win at Buckley in the Nathaniel MG Cup first round last weekend and the new Cymru North season is set to start with an opening home game against Llangefni Town on January 16th .
“We’ve started off on a winning note but the focus last weekend was more on getting the lads through the minutes rather than through the tie, ” Hoggy said, "so beating a half decent side after 281 days with no friendlies or games was a big bonus for us.
“On the friendly front, we are hoping to have games over the next 10 to 15 days and the aim is to get players through them and give important match preparation minutes to the group.
"We've got to try and be as ready as we can for the start of the new season and the management team are working hard on those friendly games and training session plans ahead of our fist games."
The manager added that he feels lucky that he has two top quality goalkeepers in the squad heading into the league campaign.
Andy Coughlin made crucial penalty saves at Buckley - during the 90 minutes and also in the shoot-out - but Craig said: “I’m really fortunate at Colwyn Bay that I’ve got Andy Coughlin and Paddy Rutter. They’re two of the best goalkeepers at this level in Wales and they’re fighting it out for that number one spot.
"Andy got into the Cymru North team of the year last season when he made two big match-winning late penalty saves for us at Ruthin and Llanrhaeadr, but he has got Paddy breathing down his neck because he is also good enough to be number one here. They're both very important players for us, like everyone else here at the club."
The manager also praised experienced former Wrexham and Wales Under-21 defender Mike Williams, who scored his first goal for the Seagulls at Buckley.
“Mike’s a warrior. He’s one of the best defenders that I’ve come across since I’ve been involved in the on-league game in Wales,” Hogg added.
“He’s calm, relaxed and always job focused. His skill in organising people around him is priceless to us. He deserved that goal for the performances he’s given us since he joined the club 18 months ago."
A full list of Bay's League fixtures is available here.
Reproduced with thanks to Colwyn Bay FC.
