SELF-BELIEF will prove crucial in Aberystwyth Town’s efforts to maintain a top six position in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League at the league split, according to boss Matthew Bishop.

Aberystwyth made it three games unbeaten on the 3G pitch at Park Avenue this season with a 3-1 win over Airbus UK Broughton last weekend, and the Seasiders are building momentum.

Striker Luke Borrelli scored his second brace in three games as Aber completed a league double over the visitors, to move up to sixth spot in the table.

Bishop, however, admitted there will be no room for complacency as they prepare to take on second-placed Gap Connah’s Quay at Park Avenue on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

“I’m pleased with another three points at home, and that’s seven from a possible nine,” said Bishop.

“I was disappointed with their goal, if I’m honest. We scored the first goal and I felt we were up and running, but we let them in with a very sloppy goal from a set-piece.

“We lost our shape for 10 minutes, and that really annoyed me, because we had a game plan and it was working. We knew we were hurting them when we won the ball in certain areas of the field.

“We’ve got to learn to stick to the plan and keep shape, even when we concede. We could have had a couple more, but we also gifted them with a few chances to score.

“We were not really at it in the first half, but I told the players that I wanted more from them and they gave us that in the second half.

“At the end of the day, we’ve come up with the goods. Luke Borrelli scored at the right time, and Jonah (Chris Jones) has had a great game, along with a few others.”

Just six points separate fouth-placed Bala and Airbus in 11th, and there is everything to play for in the nine games before the split, and the Seasiders have the advantage of six of these being at home.

“We have moved up into the top six, and I’m delighted with 16 points after the tough start we’ve had to the season,” added Bishop.

“I was disappointed to concede the goal, because up until then it didn’t look like we were going to. I want to keep clean sheets and for us to make a habit of doing that.

“We’re heading in the right direction and have a bit of momentum.

“We’ve now got to regroup and get ready in training on Wednesday. We have got a really tough game against Connah’s Quay, they were unbeaten and are flying high in the league at the minute, they’re strong, with threats everywhere.

“Once again, we’ll come up with a game plan and maybe we’ll give them one or two problems, and be a bit more clinical in front of goal.

“Take nothing away from the players, I’m delighted for them and for the supporters as well.

“We’ve got to make this a difficult place for teams to come to, and I thought we deserved to win.

“We’ve done well, but there are areas that we need to improve on.”

Bishop will be keen to keep all his players fit and available for the next few months, with Will Bell, Blake Davies and Kostya Georgievsky pushing for team places.

It is a limited squad, however, and Jonathan Evans is set to rejoin Cymru Alliance club Penrhyncoch this week, after Greg Walters rejoined Haverfordwest last week.

“We’ve got to keep it going, and I think the players are starting to believe in themselves and each other as a group,” commented Bishop.

“It is difficult for those sitting on the bench, and I feel for them as it’s hard to break into the team when everyone’s doing well, but we will need everyone to pull together.”