Andy Preece says his Airbus UK Broughton squad will be ‘champing at the bit’ when they host Prestatyn Town in Saturday’s televised Welsh Premier League clash.

Director of football Preece told the Chronicle his players were ‘gutted’ after last Friday night’s home fixture against Rhyl was postponed a few hours before kick-off because of a waterlogged pitch at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium.

But he believes the enforced break is no bad thing for the unbeaten Wingmakers.

“We had two really tough games in four days against Bangor and TNS which took a lot out of the players, so I think it could help us,” said Preece.

“Now the lads have had a free weekend it should freshen them up a bit. It also gives us the chance to sort out any knocks or niggles. They were gutted it was off but they’ll be champing at the bit come Saturday.”

Airbus will be looking for a sixth consecutive win against the fifth-placed Seasiders (3.45pm), the most recent of which came 3-2 win at Bastion Gardens last month.

The Wingmakers also recorded 5-0, 6-1, 4-0 and 4-1 wins over Prestatyn last season, but Preece is aware of the dangers they will pose – especially in two of the league’s top scorers, Lee Hunt and Andy Parkinson.

He said: “They’re a good side and they’ve strengthened their squad this season. They’ve got some real quality, there’s no doubt about it. Look at their strikers – every team in the league would want them in their squad. They’ve also added some experience at the back with Tommy Holmes and (Sean) Hessey, so they’re a very strong outfit and they’ve shown before they can go on long winning streaks.”

Preece is continuing to monitor Lee Owens’ fitness after the right-back went off with a knee injury in the win over TNS last Tuesday night. He will miss Saturday’s game through suspension anyway, along with striker Chris Simm.

Friday’s postponement meant Airbus were knocked off top spot on goal difference by reigning champions TNS, who beat Connah’s Quay 5-0.

The Wingmakers have been drawn away to Bala Town in the semi-final of the Word Cup, with both clubs seeking a place in the final for the first time. The match is scheduled to be played on Tuesday, November 12 (7.30pm).