CRAIG Harrison is relishing his first Flintshire derby since taking charge of Airbus UK Broughton.
The 30-year-old played in plenty of big games during his career but cannot wait for tonight's visit of Gap Connah’s Quay to the Airfield (7.30pm).
Former Middlesbrough, Preston and Crystal Palace defender Harrison said: “We’re really looking forward to it. I’ve seen Connah’s Quay play a few times this season and I’m sure (Nomads boss) Steve O’Shaughnessy will have done the same. I was interested in some of the players he’s signed and he was interested in some of the players I’ve signed, so we know a lot about each other.
“I’ve played derbies for Middlesbrough against Sunderland and in south London derbies for Crystal Palace and it’s all about the result.”
The neighbours go into the clash on the back of league losses, albeit in differing circumstances. Two late goals condemned eighth-placed Nomads to a 2-0 defeat at leaders Rhyl on Friday night, but had it not been for an inspired performance by Lilywhites goalkeeper Lee Kendall they would have recorded a famous victory.
Two days later the Wingmakers went down meekly at unbeaten Aberystwyth 1-0.
Harrison said: “Aber were the stronger team in the first half but we defended reasonably well and, having got to half-time, I thought we’d rode the storm and we would kick on. But they scored 10 minutes after the restart and, although we dominated after that, we never really gave their keeper a save to make.”
With half an eye on tonight, Harrison used Tuesday night’s 5-2 Loosemores Challenge Cup Group Five defeat at Welshpool as a chance to give game-time to the players in his squad in need of match fitness.
Paul Hallows, in his first appearance since the end of August, was on target in the dead rubber, as was his strike partner Tom Rowlands.
Gareth Caughter and Ashley Williams also returned from injury lay-offs but may not be risked tonight even though fellow midfielder Wes Kilgannon is a doubt through illness.
Nomads will be without wingers Mike Cronshaw and Craig Davies, while full-back Peter Doran is carrying a hamstring strain.
