NEIL Mitchell has identified the Caersws defence as one of the chief components behind the Bluebirds excellent start to the Huws Gray Alliance.
Conwy United visit the Recreation Ground on Saturday with the Bluebirds keen to repeat their Welsh Cup victory over the Alliance newboys.
While Mitchell and strike partner Mark Griffiths have found the net throughout the campaign to dominate the headlines the villagers defence has also been key to their climb to fifth.
“When the defence is so tight and organised it gives forward players the base to do what we can to find the goals,” said Mitchell. “So far this season our defenders have been excellent.
“This has meant that we have been able to win games which has meant the entire squad playing with a lot of confidence.”
However Mitchell also singled out strike partner Griffiths who currently tops the league scoring chart with 12 goals.
“Mark is a great forward player who has proven that this season by scoring in virtually every game we have played.
“He has had some injuries in recent seasons but is showing how good he is when he is injury free.”
Mitchell has also hit the goal trail in recent weeks and netted a late winner in last week’s 2-1 victory at Cefn Druids.
“It is a tough league with the top six or so clubs all capable of winning the league,” said the 23-year-old.
“If we can beat Conwy then we can pull away from them and stay on the heeld of the league pacesetters.”
Manager Mickey Evans warned: “There are no easy games in this league and Conwy will want revenge for us knocking them out of the cup.
“However we are confident of a result and hope to keep our run going.”
Guilsfield hit the road with defending champions Gap Connah’s Quay their hosts.
Manager Russell Cadwallader insisted his side were not heading to Deeside as a formality and hoped to maintain their recent revival.
“We are up to 11th and we must keep that run going now,” said Cadwallader. “Gap are up there challenging again but I hope we can raise our game and get a result.”
Rob Cookson is suspended and Sam Heenan injured but the Guils welcome back Ian Probert and Nathan Leonard.
Llanrhaeadr also venture to Llandudno Town with manager Mario Iaquinta keen for his side to vanquish memories of last week’s debacle at home to struggling Penycae.
“We missed a massive opportunity to create some sunlight between ourselves and the other sides at the bottom,” said Iaquinta.
“It was a disappointing afternoon but we move on as a club and the next game is always the most important.”