ROGER Gibbins' message to his Cwmbran Town players ahead of tomorrow's League of Wales clash with Connah's Quay Nomads is simple: "We need three points."

The Crows' title-ambitions have been virtually blown to smithereens following a dismal run of results.

They have lost one and drawn three of their last four league outings, have crashed out of the Welsh Cup to lower-league Ton Pentre and drawn in the semi-final first-leg of the League Cup with Carmarthen Town.

But as the dark clouds continue to dwell over on Cwmbran Stadium, coach Gibbins remains positive as he and manager Tony Willcox know that the four teams above Town - Barry Town, Bangor City, TNS and Rhyl - have to visit the Stadium.

"All the top sides have still got to come to Cwmbran Stadium," reminds Gibbins. "And that is to our advantage because the ball is still very much in our court."

Asked if Cwmbran's championship hopes had gone up in smoke, he said: "No. "Obviously it is going to be more difficult due to our poor recent run of results, but we must start winning games. We must forget about the title and just win our games and then see what happens."

Town are fifth, 15 points behind leaders Barry with three games in hand. They are eight points behind second-placed Bangor with just one game in hand.

The Cwmbran Stadium showdown tomorrow (2.30pm) with seventh-place Connah's Quay will be made doubly difficult as Town will be without winger Nathan Cotterrall and midfielder Nathan Wigg (suspended), injured centre-back Phil James (calf) and striker Mattie Davies (foot) while defenders Richard David (virus) and Richard Carter (groin) are doubtful.

"The absentees are stretching us a bit," said Gibbins. "But the players can do it. We need a win and have to get back on track.

"Connah's Quay are a tough, strong and physical and we know what to expect from them - but a win is vital."

Cwmbran Town (from): P O'Hagan, J Wile, N Smothers, M Pattimore, S Wharton (c), A Wright, S Mainwairing, A Moore, M Dunn, C Watkins, J Welsh, R Shugar, S O'Connor, L Thomas.