JAYSON STARKEY wants Cefn Druids to end a crunch three-game period with a crucial victory over Penybont.

The Ancients headed into a hat-trick of games against Aberystwyth Town, Caernarfon Town and Penybont targeting an impressive points-haul.

Things didn't go to plan 10 days ago as Aberystwyth came away from The Rock with an eye-catching 4-0 success, but Bruno Lopes' Druids bounced back in style at The Oval.

Iwan Cartwright and Alex Darlington found the net as Druids secured their maiden win of the campaign at the expense of former boss Huw Griffiths' Caernarfon.

And Druids are looking to make it two wins from two against Rhys Griffiths' Penybont, who are currently flying high in fourth place.

"We certainly highlighted these three games as quite important," said assistant head coach Starkey. "We were looking for points and performances and against Caernarfon we managed to get both of those things.

"We need to keep doing what we have been doing. There have been plenty of rumours from the outside, but we've been determined to get the basics right and go from there."

Having struggled at the wrong end of the table last season, Penybont have impressed at the start of the current campaign, winning three and drawing two of their eight matches.

"The stats show how well Rhys and his team are doing," said Starkey. "Credit to him and Penybont for what they've done since coming into the league.

"Rhys has also proved that he is a good manager, coach and still a very good player, so we need to be wary of him if he comes off the bench.

"What a player to have on the bench in case you need a goal."

Attacker Darlington opened his account for Druids last weekend at The Oval, and Starkey feels as though the former Wrexham and The New Saints man is finding his feet under Lopes.

"I believe we saw the old Darlo," said Starkey of his display against Caernarfon. "That's not to say he hasn't played well for us, but it was like the Darlo of years gone by. His workrate and hunger off the ball was visible.

"Our midfield was very good against Caernarfon and Darlo was definitely a key man in that."

The victory at Caernarfon also marked Charley Edge's first appearance of the season after the midfielder recovered from a pre-season injury.

"We know what Charley is capable of and it's great to have him back," said Starkey. "We've had some injury problems and it's about building the squad back up in terms of numbers."

Druids could have midfielder Harry Brazel and striker Cody Ruberto available for the home clash with Penybont, but winger Joe Faux and defender Phil Mooney remain sidelined.