LLANGEFNI Town, whose woeful debut in the Welsh Premiership began with an opening day 2-1 home defeat to Connah’s Quay Nomads, have every incentive to settle the score in the away return today.

Seven pointless league matches followed, but manager Adie Jones insists his squad have matured a great deal since that baptism of fire, even though they remain in difficulty and find themselves just one place from the bottom of the table.

Loking ahead to today’s trip, Jones said: “We should not have lost to Nomads that day because we missed a penalty and gave away two soft goals, but we have learned a lot since then.

“While this is another vitally important game for us – indeed, almost a cup final in significance – this is one we are fully capable of winning.

“Our players must accept that every game is going to be difficult, especially this one, and the points will not come easily.

“Admittedly, we are second from bottom and Nomads are fourth from bottom, which suggests they are better than us.

“But they have had a couple of big beatings recently, which will make them smart a lot.”

Llangefni expect to have a full squad available, although a late check is required on key centre-back Craig Hogg, whose foot injury, sustained in the Loosemores’ Cup against Rhyl, flared up in midweek training.

Connah’s Quay boss Jim Hackett has called on the Deeside faithful to turn out in force to give the beleagured Nomads a stirring boost, writes Mike McEvoy.

Wounded by last Saturday’s 8-0 humiliation at Carmarthen and without a point for six weeks, Nomads have plunged down the league table as a result.

And manager Hackett knows just how important a win could prove this afternoon.

“We are five points better off than Llangefni, having played a game more, so clearly the outcome is massively important to both clubs,” he declared.

A great believer in looking forward rather than backward, Hackett has told his squad to put the Carmarthen nightmare behind them and apply all their focus into sinking Llangefni.

“Carmarthen caught us cold and those early goals meant we were always up against it,” he accepted.

“We have already registered a 2-1 win at Llangefni earlier and if the pressure is mounting for us, just think how much more pressure they are under to survive in their first season.

“This is our opportunity to put an even greater points distance between us and our lads know what a lift that would be for everyone at the club.”

Chris Herbert, who came on as sub at Carmarthen, is expected to be in the starting line-up but Chris Williams and Adam Dickinson are still out.

Meanwhile Nomads are to resist an application by Knutsford to sign midfielder Jamie Petrie.

Nomads have been told Knutsford have asked through the English FA for international clearance to sign Petrie, but Nomads are keen to keep the player.