In his first season in charge at the Nomads, John Disney has turned them into the closest rivals to perennial champions The New Saints – a position that Penybont used to hold.
Such has been the demise of Griffiths’ side this season they haven’t beaten a top six club since September, when they beat Colwyn Bay, and after losing to TNS last weekend they dropped out of the top three for the first time since August.
Their fall from grace to fourth has seen them pick up only one win in their last 12 games in all competitions. The last time they tasted victory was on New Year’s Day at Llanelli.
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The loss of star striker James Crole to Newport County and centre back Gabriel Kircough to Forest Green Rovers in January hit the club hard as Phase 2 started and they haven’t really recovered.
The Nomads have already sealed a European ticket and now Penybont are going to have to fight to the bitter end to grab the final European place.
Saturday’s other Championship Conference match sees Nathaniel MG Cup winners Barry Town United host first time Welsh Cup finalists Caernarfon Town.
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They both sit one point behind Colwyn Bay, who met TNS last night, and Penybont and the winner could rise as high as third if other results go their way.
Barry were 2-0 winners in Caernarfon in the middle of February to make up for the 3-1 defeat they suffered there in Phase 1. Their other encounter ended in a draw.
In the Play-Off Conference, Bala Town need to overturn leaders Haverfordwest County to stand any chance of bridging what was a five point gap between themselves and Cardiff Met coming into the weekend.
The Lakesiders can’t afford to lose any more ground with only four games to go.
At stake is a 16 year stay in the top tier if they fail to pull of a ‘Great Escape’ and get relegated with Llanelli Town.
Briton Ferry Llansawel made it three wins in a row with a 2-0 triumph at Cardiff Met earlier in the week to close the gap at the top to a mere point.
Now there is no margin for error for Haverfordwest County as they chase the final spot in the European play-offs at the end of the regular campaign.
The Ferrymen host Welsh Cup finalists Flint Town United this weekend.
Cymru Premier
Championship Round
Barry Town United v Caernarfon Town - 14:30
Connah's Quay Nomads v Penybont - 14:30
Relegation Round
Briton Ferry Llansawel v Flint Town United - 14:30
Bala Town v Haverfordwest County - 17:15
