THE Seagulls are looking for the fans to turn out in force for what manager Steve Evans describes as a massive game to start the JD Cymru North campaign at neighbours Llandudno on Friday evening (July 29, 7:30pm kick off).
Sean Eardley’s side, who finished runners-up to Airbus UK last season, are likely to be among Bay’s main rivals for promotion so this will be a big tester for both sides.
Extraordinarily, nine members of Llandudno’s squad have previously played for the Seagulls.
Four of their summer signings total more than 100 games for Colwyn Bay between them – Sam Jones (40), Julian Williams (30), Joe Chaplin (21) and Mike Williams (17). They join up with Gaz Evans (175), Marc Williams (53), Shaun Pearson (46), Toby Jones (30) and Morgan Owen (14).
The Maesdu men celebrated a league double over the Bay last season, but will face a much stronger side this time round with Bay having notable wins against Welsh Premier sides Caernarfon Town and Flint Town United in their pre-season games following summer signings of Dylan Allshorn, Matty Hill, Alex Downes, Sam Hart, Guto Williams and Cameron Darling, and with Tom Creamer and Sam Downey back from injury.
Steve Evans commented: “It’s a massive game and what a way to start the season!
“It will be a great challenge and will be a good early chance to see where we’re at.
“Llandudno really pushed Airbus last season and I expect them to be there again this season.
“We now have healthy competition in all areas of the field and I want the players to drive each other on.
“They’re a good group, an honest group, they’re hard working and they want to win.
“As a fan you want to see players working hard and trying to do the right things and I can guarantee they will be doing that.”
“The commitment and work ethic they’ve put in pre-season has been first class and this week in training has been all about preparing for Friday.”
Admission to the game is £7 for adults, £4.50 concessions and £1 for Under-16s.