HUW GRIFFITHS insists that Cefn Druids are ready to embrace the “toughest test possible” at Barry Town United.

The Ancients make their way to Jenner Park on Saturday looking to cause an upset by beating the current Welsh Premier League leaders.

Some 26 points separate top of the table Barry and visiting Druids, who are 10th, but Griffiths and his players are up for the challenge of beating Gavin Chesterfield’s men.

“We could not have been handed a tougher cup tie,” said Griffiths. “TNS have walloped us recently, but when you look at the league table after 22 games Barry are rightly on top.

“They recently beat us 5-2 as well. It probably wasn’t a 5-2 match, but that was the result and we know that we have to be ready for a really, really tough test.”

With six points separating Druids and the drop zone, Griffiths could be forgiven for prioritising survival over a cup run.

But the Druids boss said: “If we win it’s brilliant and if we get knocked out we concentrate on the league.

“We have shown though, that we are more than capable of beating everyone on our day and if TNS get knocked out then every team will fancy their chances.”

And Griffiths, who is without cup-tied recent signings Niki-Lee Bulmer and Jack Kenny, is looking forward to the trip south to a warm and welcome Jenner Park.

“I always enjoy the trip because the fans sing my name and there are a lot of good people at Barry Town United, from the management team right down to the supporters. I’ve got fond memories of my time playing there and I’m really pleased for Barry Town and Gavin.”

Neil Ashton is doubtful to make the trip with a hamstring problem, but Arek Piskorski is available again after returning to training.

“It’s brilliant to have Arek back,” said Griffiths. “He looked sharp in training, probably the best player, and he will be like a new signing for us.”

Kieran Smith, meanwhile, is eager for Bala Town to end their three-match losing run at Haverfordwest County tomorrow.

Bala have shipped 10 goals in defeats to Connah’s Quay Nomads, Cardiff Met and Caernarfon, which has given them a mountain to climb if they want to secure a top-two finish.

But all is not lost in Bala’s quest for another year of Europa League action, Smith saying: “You have to win four games to get into Europe. But it’s a cup game and anything can happen.

“Hopefully we can get a result at Haverfordwest and put the last three weeks to bed.”

Last year’s beaten finalists, Aberystwyth Town, will be looking to bring League Cup winners Cardiff Met back down to earth at Park Avenue, while top-flight strugglers Llandudno head to Welsh Alliance side Llangefni.