HUW GRIFFITHS refused to make excuses as Cefn Druids became the first victims of newly-promoted Caernarfon Town.

The Ancients went into the opening weekend of the Welsh Premier League season determined to build on a memorable 2017/18, which led to a summer of Europa League action.

But Druids fell flat as Caernarfon recorded a 1-0 home win courtesy of Cai Jones' acrobatic effort in-front of nearly 900 supporters and the television cameras.

Griffiths was left to reflect on a losing start to the new campaign, saying: "We were poor on the day. Not enough players played well, too many didn't show up.

"It was all set-up for them to win in-front of their fans and with the television there and we fell a little bit flat, we felt a bit sorry for ourselves.

"Caernarfon's desire and hunger was greater than ours and that was the difference, although if we'd taken our chances when they came along it could have been different.

"Chances were few and far between, but James (Davies) has to score. On a better pitch his shot goes in instead of being cleared off the line."

Druids were forced to field a makeshift defensive line with Nathan Peate absent, Alun Morris and Adam Hesp injured and new signing Moussa Samassa failing to receive international clearance.

Griffiths continued: "They had players missing as well, so we are making no excuses.

"It is disappointing, but since we returned to the league we've not won our opening game of the season."

Druids returned to winning ways on Monday evening as they beat Brymbo Victoria 6-0 in the North East Wales Challenge Cup.

Ilan Ap Gareth scored a hat-trick with Arek Piskorski, Virgil Moutaud and Isaac Dawson completing the rout for Druids, who have been handed a trip to Ruthin Town in the next round.

Griffiths said: "We did really well against a young group of lads who came to have a go.

"It was attack versus defence in the first-half and I thought that Ilan was excellent and Virgil's range of passing was superb.

"It was also a good chance to have a look at the youngsters we've got coming through."