HUW GRIFFITHS believes Cefn Druids need to piece together a winning run before they can consider another top six finish.

The Ancients defied the odds to secure a place amongst the top-flight’s elite last term, which finished with a play-off final success against Sunday’s hosts Cardiff Met.

Druids put a stop to their losing start to the season with a 2-1 home victory against Llandudno that moved them off the foot of the table and to within touching distance of the top half.

Cardiff Met are fifth in the table, three points better off than Druids, but Griffiths knows that the table could look completely different ahead of kick-off on Sunday.

“We’ve got three points on the board,” said Griffiths. “But the reality of the situation is that we now need to get another win because that changes things for us.

“Another win so quickly after the first one puts us up around the top six and means that we can start talking about the other side of the table.

“But we could be bottom of the table heading into the game, so it’s still early in the season. You usually know after 10 games what the order is and it will take about that to sort things out this season.”

Managers target 30 points in their quest for a top six place come the split, but Griffiths is wondering whether more could be needed this season.

“There have been a lot of wins this season, so will teams need more than usual to get in the top six?” questioned Griffiths. “I think 32 is the most someone has needed for a top six spot and 27 is the least.”

Cardiff Met are expected to finish inside the top six and challenge for European football next summer, but they’ve come unstuck after winning their opening two matches of the campaign.

Since beating Aberystwyth, Christian Edwards’ side have lost to both Caernarfon and Carmarthen - something Griffiths is taking encouragement from.

“They both begin with C and so do we, so we’ve got a chance,” joked the former Chester City assistant manager, before adding: “It will be a tough, tough game.

“I’m very surprised by their start to the season because I thought they would be right up there as they’re very good. They’ve kept the vast majority of their squad together for three seasons, only TNS have that consistency, so they are a well-drilled outfit, who are strong and fast.

“But we know that if you keep certain players quiet then you have a chance and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Druids will have to take on without midfielder Alec Mudimu, who is away on international duty with Zimbabwe as they tackle Congo in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Griffiths, who sees Naim Arsan return, said: “We wish him all the best, although Christian Edwards will be very happy to know he isn’t playing as Alec always does well against them. He really influences games against Cardiff because he matches them physically.”

Bala Town boss Colin Caton is bracing himself for the visit of Llanelli tomorrow.

Caton, who has re-signed Conall Murtagh, said: “Llanelli will be really well drilled and they have drawn against Barry, who are the best team we have played.”

Newtown visit Carmarthen with ex-Wrexham striker Nick Rushton looking to build on his two goals against Bala, which came in his first game back after the birth of his daughter.

He said: “I was made up to have a baby girl and it has been good to get back and celebrate two goals.”

Elsewhere tomorrow, Barry Town head to Llandudno.