HUW Griffiths hopes to complete a dream week when Technogroup Welshpool entertain Gap Connahs Quay on Saturday (2.30pm).
The 31-year-old manager missed Welshpool’s 3-0 defeat at Port Talbot Town last weekend after his partner went into labour, and later that evening celebrated the birth of Ela Louise Griffiths.
“I am thrilled,” said Griffiths. “Both mother and baby are doing fine and thanks to all the staff who helped at the hospital.
“Obviously Ela’s birth co-incided with our weekend match, and although I never like missing our matches I would not have been anywhere else for the world.”
With Griffiths’ family commitments ruling him out of last weekend’s clash in Port Talbot Town, assistant manger Terry Ingram stepped up to fill his boots with Griffiths full of praise for his No2.
“Terry has been magnificent since he stepped up following the departure of Timmy Edwards,” said Griffiths. “Terry has put in so much time and commitment in ensuring the lads’ fitness to booking our buses for away days.
“With me becoming a father on the weekend it was really good of Terry to go and watch the Druids game in midweek. It was unfortunately snowed off, but I genuinely appreciated the gesture.
“Terry is not in this job for financial gains and his attitude has summed up the mood within the entire squad this season. It is public knowledge that we have had our budget cut this season but it has helped bring everyone closer.”
Turning his focus to the visit of the Deesiders, Griffiths insists all the pressure will be on Mark McGregor’s side.
“They are desperate to get into the top 10 and they will view the weekend clash as a great opportunity for three points.
“As for ourselves I have been really happy with the way the lads have stuck together in the past few weeks and had picked up a few good points before losing to a quality Port Talbot side. I do not think we have anything to fear from Connahs Quay and we will go into the game with confidence.”
Striker Mike Cronshaw returns to the fold after missing last weekend’s trip to South Wales, while Adam Jenkins’ two goals for the reserves against Bettws in midweek should secure a place on the bench.
Meanwhile Griffiths praised mid-season signing Dave Maguire and is backing him to become one of the league’s top goalkeepers.
“Dave Maguire has been simply fantastic since arriving,” said Griffiths. “He had some big boots to fill after Danny Jones and Jack Cudworth, but he has been excellent.”