Welsh Premier League Football - Steelmen still chasing third place

WITHOUT a win or a goal in three games, Port Talbot boss Mark Jones is still targeting a place in the Europa League.
Since beating The New Saints in the Welsh Cup, the Steelmen have lost to Carmarthen and Llanelli and drawn at Airbus UK, but Jones has called on his players to make a quick return to form and push for a top three place from their remaining games, starting with Tuesday night's visit to Newtown.
"I said at the start of the season that our aim this year was to gain a top ten place," he says.
“As we move into the business end of the season we now have a new target of a place in the top three which is certainly achievable if we can avoid injuries and suspensions as these have hit us hard over the last few weeks.
"This is not an excuse for our results and we must now return to form even it it means winning ugly”.
Suspended duo Liam McCreesh and Daniel Thomas will miss the visit to Latham Park, but midfielder Neil Thomas could return to the starting line-up.
The game is vital for the Robins' Super 12 aspirations with Darren Ryan's side 11 points behind the security of tenth place.
The New Saints can return to the top of the table with a result at home to lowly Porthmadog, who held the full-timers to a draw at The Traeth back in December.
Striker Chris Sharp and midfielder Jamie Wood are back in contention for the Saints after serving one-match bans.
Looking to consolidate their hopes of a European spot, third-placed Aberystwyth host Bangor City at Park Avenue.
Midfielder Craig Garside is a major doubt for the Citizens as manager Nev Powell clashes with his former number two Alan Morgan for the first time.
Gap Connah's Quay and Neath clash at the Deeside Stadium, both desperate for wins for different reasons. The Nomads are losing ground in the race to qualify for next season's Welsh Premier, while the Eagles' hopes of a top-three finish were dented again by Saturday's 1-0 home defeat at the hands of TNS.
Nomads hope that Sam McNutt will be fit for a return to the starting line-up after 20 minutes from the bench in Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Carmarthen.
Photo: Drew Fahiya sums-up Talbot's frustration during the 0-0 draw at The Airfield on Saturday.