HUW GRIFFITHS will leave no stone unturned in his quest to discover why Cefn Druids are starting games so poorly.

Druids found themselves two goals down inside 12 minutes at home to Newtown on Friday as Nick Rushton and Niall Flint caught the Ancients’ napping.

That sluggish start came just a week after Druids were 3-0 down at the break against Bala, and Griffiths knows his side, who hit back through James Davies as Newtown won 2-1, must improve their starts to games if they are to climb the table.

“I’m disappointed at the moment that we’re not starting games,” said Griffiths. “When you look at it, we aren’t playing very well in the first 45 minutes, but then playing quite well in the second 45.

“It’s something we need to look at because we’ve been poor in the first 45 minutes in our last few games.

“I’d prefer us to be fired up at the start an then defend a lead if we need to.

“I said it after the Bala game, but you can’t afford to be two goals behind in the Cymru Premier. If you are, it’s game over.

“We have done well for four fifths of the game, but those first 10 or so minutes have cost us.”

If Druids can solve their slow start issues then Griffiths is confident of picking up positive results.

“It was only us having the chances in the second-half,” continued Griffiths. “We dominated in the second-half in terms of chances and possession.

“Newtown had over 60 per cent possession in both halves against Barry Town, but it would have been closer to 50/50 against us.

“We’ve put 30-odd crosses into their box, I’m not saying they were all of a high quality, but it shows how much we were attacking.

“I’m disappointed not to have scored 20 seconds into the second-half and if we do, who knows what might happen.

“But we can talk about stats all we want, the statistic that counts is the result and we are on the wrong side of that again.”

Bala Town climbed up to third in the Cymru Premier courtesy of a hard-fought 2-1 home success over rock-bottom Carmarthen Town.

Louis Robles saw his opener for Bala cancelled out by Josh Bull, but Chris Venables continued his fine form with what proved to be the winner seven minutes before the break.

Winger Robles was pleased with a sixth win in 10 league outings, saying: “It was a battle, I think we dug deep and showed quality in the crucial areas, which they didn’t.

“They’ve got a few big lads and set-pieces are a struggle, but we dealt with it really well.”

Robles found the back of the net for a second time in four days as he followed up his effort in the League Cup success over Bangor City.

And the 23-year-old is hoping his scoring form continues beyond this week, adding: “I’m disappointed not to have scored more.

“I’ve got two this week and hopefully the run continues.”

Cardiff Met remain sixth after they were held to a 2-2 draw at Aberystwyth, who led at the break through Paolo Mendes.

Eliot Evans’ penalty and Mael Davies turned the game on its’ head, but Aber earned a share of the spoils through Ryan Wollacott.