HUW GRIFFITHS insists that Cefn Druids won’t “press the panic button” after returning to the foot of the table.

A 1-0 defeat at Cardiff Met on Sunday, coupled with Llandudno’s victory over Barry Town United 24 hours earlier, meant the Ancients slipped back to 12th spot.

Griffiths has been in the game long enough to know that there is still plenty of time to turn his side’s season around, especially given their reasonable levels of performance.

“We aren’t panicking at the moment,” said Griffiths. “The league is still tight and a couple of wins for any side changes things.

“Our performances, certainly in recent weeks, have been good, but it is up to us now to start picking up points, whether that is one or three because we can’t keep losing.

“We are five games in and no-one has beaten us by more than one goal and there is nothing wrong with the heart and desire of the players.

“We aren’t about to press the panic button, but if things haven’t changed in another two or three games....we are doing everything we can and everything we did last season in terms of preparation and planning.

“It’s been frustrating.”

The decisive goal in the capital on Sunday could be filed in the “frustrating” folder with Kyle McCarthy’s indirect free-kick after Druids goalkeeper Mike Jones was adjudged to have picked the ball back up having already held it, deflecting in off Dean Rittenberg for an own goal.

Had Rittenberg not touched it the goal would not have stood, while there has been plenty of discussion as to whether Jones had indeed held the ball initially before placing it on the floor and picking it back up.

Griffiths believes the right decision was reached by referee Huw Jones, however difficult that is to accept.

“Huw was really good,” said Griffiths. “He’s ultimately got it right and I can only come out and say ‘well done’.

“There was nothing in the game and the goal was tough to take, but he’s got the decision right and deserves credit for that.”

Druids suffered another blow during the defeat to Cardiff Met with striker James Davies injured in a tackle, pictured right.

Davies will definitely miss tomorrow’s home clash with Carmarthen Town with the attacker set for an MRI scan to determine the severity of a hip problem.

“He’s had an X-ray and there are no broken bones,” said Griffiths. “But he’s struggling and won’t be fit for the Carmarthen game.”

Midfielder Alec Mudimu does return after missing last weekend’s fixture due to his international commitments with Zimbabwe.

Griffiths is pleased to have Mudimu back for a tough fixture against the Old Gold, who have won their last two matches under boss Neil Smothers.

“They are physical and powerful with good runners,” said Griffiths of Carmarthen. “We’ve got our hands full.

“Smothers is on a great run, stretching back to last season. He’s young, hungry, enthusiastic and a winner, who I’ve got a lot of time for.”

Smothers, meanwhile, is braced for a tough trip to The Rock.

He said: “Cefn Druids are a good team with good players and a good manager, so it will be another difficult test.”

Nathan Burke is confident Bala Town have enough quality to beat Aberystwyth Town in tomorrow night’s televised clash.

Bala were 3-1 winners against Llanelli last weekend, while Aberystwyth come into the fixture on the back of a 6-0 thumping at The New Saints.

Burke, pictured above with boss Colin Caton, said: “We know they are a strong side. Any game in this league is tough, but we’ve got quality in our side and hopefully we can get the three points.”

Scott Ruscoe’s Saints are relishing their trip to Llanelli this evening, the table toppers’ manager saying: “It’s a nice pitch to play on and we are looking forward to the game.”

Caernarfon Town, meanwhile, will be looking to follow up Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Connah’s Quay Nomads with a home victory against Barry Town United tomorrow.

Boss Sean Eardley would also preferably like the margin of victory be greater than the one-goal. The Canaries have beaten Cefn Druids, Cardiff Met and Nomads 1-0 this term.

Eardley said: “Once you get a goal ahead - one or two managers have already said it - you’ve got something to defend.

“With the level of competition in the league, which is fantastic to be a part of, teams will find it hard to break you down if you stay organised, you are honest, you do the right things and you listen to instructions.

“We’ve proven we are tough to break down.

“To score an illusive second would be a bonus, but we’ve shown that we can dig in when our backs are against the wall.”

Cardiff Met have home advantage as Llandudno visit the capital on Sunday.