ABERYSTWYTH Town’s interim manager Wyn Thomas heaped praise on his players after their ‘back to basics’ performance earned them a much-needed 1-0 home win in atrocious conditions against Port Talbot Town on Friday evening.

A 78th minute winner from Rhys Griffiths finally ended a run of four successive defeats at Park Avenue, and kick-started their challenge to finish at the top of the bottom six.

“It was big game for us tonight, as a team, as a squad and as a club,” said Thomas, who took charge, with manager Ian Hughes absent due to an operation.

“It was very important we got points on the board, and the players dug deep. We had a couple of players carrying knocks, and they put their bodies on the line for this win.

“I appreciate everything they have done tonight, it was a battle. There was commitment, passion and a desire to go on and win the game.”

He added: “The win was very important to stop the rot at home, which has been a concern to us all.

“The players have raised the bar this evening in their attitude, and in their willingness to achieve more.

“We just needed to grind out the win, it was back to basics, and that’s what we did well to get the points.”

As the rain poured down, the Park Avenue pitch ended in a mud-bath, and the game looked set to end in a deadlock until marksman Griffiths netted his fourth goal of the season.

“Phil (Thomas), the groundsman has done very well to get the game on. We know how much he does and the team appreciate it,” Thomas told atfc.org.uk.

“It was a great delivery from Craig, right onto Rhys’ forehead, and he has done what he’s been doing for many, many years by scoring - and I’m so pleased he did.”

Thomas added: “The defensive effort was pleasing tonight. It’s been frustrating, because in certain situations we just need to clear the ball.

“We spoke about it at half time and in the second half we were terrific. We cleared the ball, and we turned when we needed to, and with the attacking talent we have got, we had every chance to win it.”

With the Seasiders already out of the Welsh Cup, they now have a fortnight off, before they continue their push for seventh place with a trip to Rhyl on Friday, 11 February.

“It’s going to be hard work and more hard work,” said Thomas.

“The players have raised the bar tonight, and we need to keep that going. We’re going to be working on our set play, and the basics.

“Rhyl are a good side, but it’s a Friday night game which is one the players all enjoy. We will make sure we’re ready for that challenge.”