CEFN DRUIDS boss Huw Griffiths believes his pre-season prediction has come true.

Griffiths felt that his Ancients would be there to be shot at after taking the top-flight by storm last term to finish fifth in the table before going on to qualify for the Europa League.

And Griffiths was right with Druids taking just one point from three games against the division's newly promoted teams.

Asked whether opponents were now treating Druids like any other top-six side, Griffiths said: "Without a doubt.

"There is more motivation for teams when they play us. They want to beat Cefn Druids who finished in the top-six and they want to beat me, the manager of the year."

Druids look to be slowly finding their feet after a tricky start to the campaign, a 1-0 home win over Aberystwyth helping them climb out of the relegation zone ahead of their blank weekend.

Griffiths, who saw his side beat Oswestry 3-0 in a midweek friendly, continued: "There are lots of reasons why we haven't picked up results. I don't think the European stuff helped us and teams are more motivated to beat us now.

"In the past teams would perhaps see us as little old Cefn Druids, but that's stopped."

Colin Caton wants Bala Town to reach the magical 30-point mark he believes will be enough to secure a top-six finish.

After nine games not one of the 12 top-flight teams are completely cut adrift in the race for the top-six, Caton's men in a healthy fifth position on 14 points.

Caton reckons another 16 points should be enough to cement yet another top-six finish and allow the Lakesiders a shot at European football once more.

"We have got to try and get into that top-six," said Caton, before looking at the 30-point target, adding: "We have got to get there as soon as we can."

Caton will be hoping Bala are another three points closer to their target after tonight's home encounter with third placed Newtown.

The Robins have been one of the surprise packages over the first nine games of the season.

"Newtown have always been a strong team and Chris Hughes is a good manager," said Caton.

"We have got to fight for every point in this league."

Bala striker Mike Hayes, meanwhile, has won the Welsh Premier League's goal of the month award for September.

Hayes' spectacular lob against Aberystwyth Town was chosen by Marc Lloyd-Williams as the pick of last month's goals.

"It was a fantastic finish," added Caton. "Mike's pushing for a starting place at the weekend."

Elsewhere tonight, Nev Powell's Aberystwyth entertain Caernarfon and Cardiff Met visit Llanelli, while tomorrow's only kick-off sees Barry Town United host Carmarthen.