Aberystwyth Town have moved to strengthen their defensive options by signing Adam Hughes on loan from The New Saints until the New Year.

Ironically, Hughes scored against Aber on Monday, notching the Saints’ final goal with a superb swerving volley to seal a record 10-1 win at Park Avenue.

He follows loan goalkeeper Connor Roberts, who made his debut in the 3-1 defeat at Barry, but was unable to play against his parent club on Monday.

“I’m looking forward to hopefully getting more minutes," said Hughes, who goes straight into tomorrow night’s squad to face Cefn Druids. "I can’t wait to get started with Aberystwyth, and hopefully help them climb the table.”

The 22 year-old started his career in the junior set-up at Tranmere Rovers, before moving on to play for Cammell Laird, Marine and Warrington Town, and featuring in the National League North for Vauxhall Motors.

"We are delighted to announce the signing of central defender Adam Hughes, who joins the Club on loan from The New Saints until the New Year," said a club statement.

"It was while playing for Marine that he featured in the same team as ex-TNS legend, Pip Baker, whose positivity regarding the club was a key influence on Hughes moving to Park Hall. Perhaps Pip mentioned his brief period at Park Avenue too!

"Everyone at Aberystwyth Town welcomes Adam on board, and he goes straight into tomorrow night’s squad, wearing squad number 19."

Meanwhile Aberystwyth Town bid to bounce back from their worst ever Welsh Premier result when they travel north to the picturesque Rock Ground to face Cefn Druids on Friday night.

The heavy defeat at home to TNS has been a major talking point over the past few days, and brought an abrupt halt to a run of back-to-back wins before the Bank Holiday weekend.

Despite the hyperbole after defeats against teams that finished first and third last season, Aber’s three points from three games to date sees them in eighth place.

Druids for their part have made a solid start to 2019/20, drawing at Newtown and Caernarfon Town and beating Airbus UK Broughton at home in-between.

Matthew Bishop’s Aberystwyth Town squad for Friday should be strengthened by the return of both loan keeper Connor Roberts and key player Matthew Jones.

Captain Marc Williams will also be back in the running for a starting position, after stepping off the bench to score against The New Saints on Monday.

Normally players would bemoan having to play three games in seven days - but the Black and Greens will be raring to go after their devastating defeat.

“These freak results do happen, but it’s important not to be too hard on the players, and keep focused on the next game," said Aberystwyth Town Director of Football Neville Powell.

“If we manage to win at Druids on Friday, then six points from four games would represent a good start to the season overall. Judge them on the whole season rather than one game.”