NEWTOWN bid to kick start their campaign when Caernarfon Town visit Latham Park on Saturday.

The Robins have suffered an indifferent start to the second phase with a 2-1 defeat to leaders Connahs Quay Nomads following by a 5-0 hammering at TNS last week.

Manager Chris Hughes said: “In both games we were punished for mistakes. It is frustrating but we are learning as a squad all the time.

“I actually felt we gave TNS some early problems but they scored their first following our mistake and then a second when we were looking like getting back in the game.

“TNS have quality players who can punish anyone on their day which is why they win the league every season.

“It was a frustrating night but I felt we played well in parts and will look to build on that.”

Hughes praised goalkeeper Jack Perry who stepped up from the bench with regular No1 Dave Jones injured.

“It was a particularly tough game for Jack to step up for against the league champions but he did not let anyone down and I was very happy with his performance.”

Newtown beat Caernarfon at Latham Park in the opening phase of the season and Hughes backed his players to open their second phase account on Saturday.

“They have had a great season back in the league and I am sure they will be coming down to Newtown on Saturday with confidence,” said Hughes. “From our own point of view we will be working hard in training and aiming to get the points on the board.”

Goalkeeper Dave Jones is expected to be back in contention while new signing Matty Williams could be in line to link-up with new team-mates after missing the past fortnight through injury.

Hughes said: “We have a good group, an honest group of players, and they are all hurting after the TNS defeat,” said Hughes. “We have a few new players to bed in over the next few weeks and we will get stronger.

“The Caernarfon game represents a new challenge compared to the last two games.”