BILLY PAYNTER says tonight’s trip to Newtown is a crucial one as far as Connah’s Quay Nomads’ hopes of securing a spot in the top-six come the mid-season split.

With six matches remaining in phase one of the campaign, Nomads trail sixth-placed Caernarfon Town by five points, so a three-point haul at Latham Park will go a long way to boosting their aspirations.

“It’s must win if we were looking to break into that top-six,” said Connah’s Quay boss Paynter.

“It’s what we do on the pitch. If the lads are on it, we are a game for anyone. It will be a tough game.

“Newtown have got a new manager and he will be implementing his style of play on them.”

At present, Nomads find themselves in eighth spot in the standings following a mixed start to the season.

Injuries have not been kind to Quay, although there is some positive news in the camp as Callum Bratley gets closer to full fitness.

“Brats, he’s been with us, but he’s been unable to train and get much game time,” added Paynter.

“In the last two games, he’s had 10-15 minute spells. He’s now looking like a new signing for us.”

The competitive nature of the league means Paynter’s unsure how many wins his side will need to seal a top-six berth. “Teams can get results off teams in the top-six,” admitted Paynter, who stressed that the likes of Briton Ferry, Flint and Aberystwyth were more than capable of picking up results.

“You never know if it might be five or three wins.”