HUW GRIFFITHS insists that Cefn Druids will consider their future participation in the North East Wales Challenge Cup final - regardless of whether they win the competition or not.

The Ancients have been asked to tackle Gresford Athletic on Sunday at the Airfield, (4.15pm), less than 48 hours after playing their final game of the Welsh Premier League season at Llandudno.

It’s not the first time Druids have been irked by the scheduling of matches in the competition, and Griffiths revealed his disappointment with having to play the final so close to tonight’s trip down the A55.

“I’m not happy,” said Griffiths. “We’ve not really been treated fairly throughout the competition, but we can’t moan too much.

“The welfare of the players has not been taken into account.

“We will have to consider our place in the competition next season. That sort of thing is decided above my head, but I will back the club’s decision.”

Druids are the highest ranked team in the competition, naming a series of strong teams on their way to victories over the likes of Ruthin Town and Brymbo.

Griffiths continued: “I’ve got a fantastic history in the competition. I’ve won it as a player and a manager and it’s a good competition.

“We are the biggest club taking part and we’ve taken it seriously all the way through, so it’s disappointing when things happen like they have.”

Regardless of the scheduling of the final, Griffiths is eager to lift the trophy on Sunday evening with hometown club Gresford, managed by friend Steve Halliwell, awaiting them at the home of Airbus.

“Steve’s a good mate of mine and he’s got a good squad of players,” said Griffiths.

“The group they’ve got there has plenty of pace and they’ve picked up some good results this season.

“Steve will probably be disappointed that they’ve not been able to consistently produce good performances, but they will be up for the final, which they’ve had two weeks to prepare for.”

Druids have the small matter of their final league game before they can fully focus on Sunday’s final.

Already relegated Llandudno lie in wait for Druids, who will be looking to beat their hosts in an attempt to wrestle ninth place from Neil Smothers’ Carmarthen Town.

Asked how he might juggle his tired squad ahead of a busy weekend, Griffiths said: “We will have to assess things ahead of the two games.

“We want to get tonight’s game out of the way and then play Sunday before we can have a welcome break.

“But Llandudno’s players are looking to earn contracts for next season at clubs like ours and my players need to realise that and show how good they are.”

Former Wrexham star Jordan Evans will miss both matches this weekend after breaking his wrist in the goalless draw with Aberystwyth Town, while Nathan Peate will be suspended after being sent-off in the disappointing 1-0 defeat to Carmarthen Town last weekend.

“Jordan has broken his wrist,” confirmed Griffiths. “He’s looking at spending the next six to eight weeks in a cast, so he’s done for the season now.”

Strike duo John Owen (hamstring) and Jack Kenny could both feature for Druids.