NEWTOWN manager Chris Hughes has challenged his players to pick themselves up ahead of the JD Welsh Cup visit of Rhyl.

The Robins crashed to a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at Barry Town United with captain Craig Williams earning his third red card of the season.

Hughes refused to be downbeat despite a crushing defeat and insisted his side would not dwell ahead of a crucial festive period, starting with the visit of Huws Gray Alliance side Rhyl to Latham Park on Saturday.

“We pulled them out of shape and probably had the better of the game in the first-half,” said Hughes. “After the break a few decisions did not go our way and it was always going to be difficult after that.”

Barry’s second goal appeared offside on replays while Kayne McLaggon also appeared to handle the ball in the build up to the third.

However Hughes had no complaints and insisted his side would not be feeling sorry for themselves with a crunch run of games ahead.

“Rhyl is the start of an important run of games for us,” said Hughes. “We want another good cup run while it would also be good to keep the unbeaten home record going for the first half of the season.

Newtown’s indifferent away form, coupled with Aberystwyth Town’s revival, means the Mid Wales rivals could both potentially end in the top six ahead of the mid-season split.

However with the bitter rivals meeting in back to back festive derbies the Robins will be desperate to get the points on the board to ensure they do not miss to the Seasiders.