CEFN DRUIDS have the chance to gauge the progress of their new philosophy as Cardiff Met head to The Rock.

The Ancients have set about adopting new principles and ideas similar to those of the capital-based students, and assistant head coach Jayson Starkey can't wait for kick-off tomorrow afternoon.

"It's exciting," said Starkey of the clash with Christian Edwards' Archers. "We know Cardiff Met have strong principles and a strong philosophy, which is similar to the one we have adopted this season.

"It should be a good advert for Welsh football with two teams with similar styles of football going up against each other, and I expect there to be goals.

"It could be a chess game at times because we know what they are trying to do and they know what we are trying to do, but there's plenty of attacking talent on show.

"Both sides have players capable of producing moments of magic and whichever team produces the most will win the game."

Druids head into tomorrow's fixture having suffered back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Bala Town and Flint Town United.

Starkey, although disappointed with both results, is pleased with the progress made from Sunday's match at Maes Tegid to Wednesday's defeat to the Silkmen.

"What was pleasing was the progression in confidence of the players," said Starkey. "It's easy playing the way we want to in pre-season compared with a match where points are up for grabs, but the players improved again against Flint.

"Whereas we produced a 45-minute performance against Bala, we managed to produce a 90-minute one against Flint and, generally speaking, we feel like we did enough to gain a point, and maybe even all three.

"It was another step in the right direction for us and the good thing, like I said on Saturday ahead of the Flint game, is that there's another match right around the corner for us.

"We are still improving and working on things which take time. We conceded from another set-piece against Flint and that's one area that we need to address."

Druids are hoping to finally receive international clearance for Josh Green, Sam Phillips and Chris Azimall, while there are doubts surround injured trio Cody Ruberto, Joe Faux and Aaron Simpson.

Defender Phil Mooney is definitely sidelined, although Starkey had some promising news on his return to fitness.

"Phil had an operation during lockdown, but he's back running now," said Starkey. "Hopefully he will be back in contact training in one or two weeks, but we won't rush him."

Connah’s Quay Nomads could be in better shape heading to Haverfordwest County on Sunday afternoon.

The Nomads were without George Horan, Michael Wilde, Danny Holmes, Danny Harrison, Jamie Insall and Callum Morris when they beat Penybont 1-0 last weekend.

Andy Morrison’s men will hope that at least some of the half-a-dozen players can return to action as they make the long trip south.

The positive is that Nomads have had a week of rest after a busy seven days on and off the pitch, which included Europa League action and positive COVID-19 tests.

Director of football Jay Catton tweeted: “One of the most challenging weeks we have ever faced at @the_nomads. Huge challenges and adversity, but together as a club we pulled through, culminating in great win and 3 points. Players deserve huge praise after last two performances, showing incredible unity. #oneclub.”

The New Saints, who were also without a midweek match, make their way to Caernarfon Town on Sunday.

“This week has been an ideal opportunity to give the players a little bit of a rest,” said Saints boss Scott Ruscoe, who is braced for a tough test against Huw Griffiths’ Caernarfon.

“Caernarfon are always a tough test for us,” added Ruscoe, whose side are top of the table. “It’s always a tough place to go. Without the crowd this time, that might help us a little bit.”

Bala, 2-1 winners against Cefn Druids last weekend, make their way to Penybont on Saturday, while Newtown entertain Aberystwyth on Friday night.