ROGER Gibbins has pleaded with his Cwmbran Town players to dig-deep into their reserves for a concerted Welsh Premier League push.

The Crows are historically strong early on, but fade away with the finishing line in sight.

However, Gibbins is hoping to turn that on its head this term and attack the chasing pack with a late onslaught.

"That's the message I have given to the players," said Gibbins. "Normally Cwmbran start strong before dropping away. But because we've had a poor start we need to come on strong in the final stages.

"We have 13 league games remaining and we have played most of the top-placed teams.

We've only three - Barry Town, TNS and Afan Lido tomorrow night - of the top six to play so if we keep ourselves together and stay committed you never know.

"We have been improving of late. Our shape has improved and last weekend's 4-0 victory over Welshpool Town will give us that bit of confidence we need."

The Welshpool win is Town's only success in the last five league games, but in that time they have played four of the league's six top teams.

Tomorrow night at Princess Margaret Way, Cwmbran will come face-to-face with another side with European ambitions.

Afan Lido have proved a thorn in Cwmbran's side for the past two seasons. Last season, the y won both league meetings between the sides and already this season Lido have beaten Town three times, once in the league and twice in the FAW Premier Cup.

"We owe them one," insisted Gibbins. "They are a very good hard-working side as their league position of fourth proves, but we are capable of getting a result."

Gibbins welcomes back midfielder Sean Mainwaring after a bout of 'flu and striker Mattie Davies after being suspended for being red-carded while on loan at Welsh League Division One side Cardiff Corries. Midfielder Nathan Wigg also returns after a one-match suspension.

However, Town are left sweating on the fitness of versatile pair Chris Watkins (ankle) and Michael Pattimore (knee). Afan Lido, who have lost back-to-back home league games, will be without Lee Williams (suspended).

Cwmbran Town (from): M Ellacott, R Carter, N Smothers, G Warton, J Welsh, S Wharton (c), S Mainwaring, A Moore, C Watkins, C Summers, J Jenkins, M Dunn, R Hurlin, M Pattimore, R David, M Davies, N Wigg