BRIAN Coyne, the former Cwmbran Town manager, now in charge of Aberystwyth, would be delighted if the Crows won their relegation scrap to maintain Welsh Premier League status.
The two clubs clash at Park Avenue this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm), Coyne's new team in the comfort zone while the Crows, under Sean Wharton, previously his number two, are fighting for survival.
Coyne said: "I speak to Sean quite regularly. We have always got on very well. The way he has stuck with the club speaks volumes for him. I think a lot of people would have walked away from the club by now.
"I think he has done a fantastic job and I hope he can get out of trouble - I genuinely hope he can get out of trouble for the effort he has put in. It is a tough old game."
Aberystwyth have two former Crows in their squad, but only central defender Ross Lloyd will be playing, Tom Billing under suspension.
There is little doubt that Cwmbran's fate will almost certainly be decided over Easter. Apart from making the trip to Aberystwyth, the Crows are at home to Bangor City on Monday and then meet Porthmadog on Wednesday - a demanding programme.
And Wharton has made a heartfelt plea to the community - come and support us in our hour of need.
Over the weeks and months there have been many such appeals but this really is Cwmbran's hour of need.
Wharton, who lives in the town, said: "I would love local people to turn out - especially the sporting community - to give us support for the two home games on Monday and Wednesday."
Goalkeeper Richard Lancaster, an airman serving at St. Athan who missed the game with Airbus UK last Saturday, returns to the squad in the place of Richard Jeffries and a now-fit Kristian Hanbury is in the running for a recall but midfield player Martin Phillips is not available.
The 25-year-old Lancaster, originally from Haverfordwest, said: "It is obviously a crucial period, but everyone is relishing the challenge of these three games. The team spirit has always been good and we've always had a belief we can turn it around.
"I missed the first four months of the season through injury but when I started training there was a wealth of experienced players, big names but when I was fit and really to play only three players from the start of the season were still there.
"I spoke to Sean about the situation and although it's been tough the belief has always been there."
The game with Bangor on Monday has a 2pm kick-off and 7pm for Bangor's visit on Wednesday.
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