COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg is raring to go ahead of their long-awaited return to the Welsh league system this week.

The Seagulls’ welcome Flint Town United to the Four Crosses Arena on Friday night for their opening JD Cymru North clash of the campaign after their game against Bangor City was postponed due to the Citizens’ suspension.

The fixture bares a greater significance following the Silkmen’s opening day defeat at the hands of Rhyl on Saturday, and Hogg stated the encounter is “a free hit” for his side as they look to find their feet in the second tier.

He said: “We can’t wait to play our first game. It honestly feels like we’ve had the longest pre-season ever, after being knocked out the cup and then having the Bangor City game frozen, but fortunately we’ve been very lucky to get two games in before we kick off.

“Flint at home on Friday night is as close to a free hit as we could have asked for to be honest. It will be an extremely difficult game for us and a very big test early on, but we have nothing to lose and everything to gain from the tie.

“We are expecting a big reaction from them after their opening day defeat, so the big turnout I’m told we are expecting from our home support, will really be needed.

“They (Flint) are a good side and teams like them and Prestatyn Town have the tag of title favourites for a reason.

“I watched both play over the weekend and both impressed, you can see why so many people tip them to do really well this year.

“Hopefully we can build on what we have done during the last eight weeks and if we could get some sort of positive result then I feel that would be huge for the new group of lads we have.”

The Seagulls’ rounded off their friendly fixtures with a 3-1 win over Salford City U18, with a brace from Mitchell Bryant and a solitary Sion Edwards effort doing the damage.