NEWTOWN manager Chris Hughes praised the Robins faithful for keeping the faith during a frustrating campaign.

The Robins travel to Mid Wales rivals Aberystwyth Town tonight (Friday) having ended their home programme with a 3-0 win over relegated Prestatyn Town last week.

Hughes dedicated the win to the club’s supporters while conceding the Robins had let themselves down at home this season.

Hughes said: “The most important people at any club are the fans and to see the young teams at Latham Park for the final home game was fantastic.

“It was important to send them home with a smile on their faces.”

This season has been transitional with Hughes bringing in several new players to fill the void left by Shane Sutton and Jason Oswell in the summer.

Hughes said: “The fans were patient with us early on as players changed.

“They could have turned on us when it got tough but they never do. They backed the lads and backed me, and the win over Prestatyn was for them.”

However Hughes conceded eighth place was not good enough but hoped to build on the cup success this season having reached two major semi-finals.

“Our home form in the second phase has not been good enough and it has cost us seventh place,” said Hughes. “The win over Prestatyn was important to hand us eighth place and I think that and two semi-finals has given us a decent return.

“It is disappointing not to finish seventh as we feel in the bottom six we should have more points.”

Hughes hopes to end the season on a high with derby victory at Aberystwyth who secured their top flight status with a point against relegated Carmarthen Town last week.

The Robins chief will also hope for a less turbulent summer than last with the aim of building on the current squad.

Hughes said: “Losing players knocked the stuffing out of us a bit in the summer, we had to recruit quickly.

“However the lads who have joined the club this season have stepped up.”