Town midfielder Layton Maxwell insists the mood in The Oval camp is still very high despite last week’s double loss to both Aberysthwyth and Haverfordwest.

            The former Liverpool midfielder’s goals have helped turnaround Town’s season and the 28-year-old believes The Canaries have enough in their locker to avoid the dreaded drop.

            With Welshpool Town in town today followed by a visit from Newi Cefi Druids on Easter Monday – Layton admits Town face two crucially important fixtures which they must take something from.

            “To be honest the two defeats we suffered are not as bigger set-backs as what they look. We played well enough in both games but never got any real breaks. We battered Haverfordwest last Saturday but just couldn’t force an equaliser and it wasn’t certainly for the want of trying.

            “We’re under no illusion that we must win at least two of our remaining fixtures and I’m sure Welshpool will be a tough nut to crack because they are having a good season. Monday will be tough too especially with our ex-manager and a number of former Town players returning back to the club and wanting to do well against their former team.

            “Certainly since Christmas the manager has really turned things around. We look pretty solid at the back and the days of us leaking goals are a part of the past. He’s come in with fresh ideas, new systems and got us organised and we’re convinced we can beat the drop.

            “It’s getting pretty tight at the bottom. Airbus seem to have got pulled back into it again while Newtown must be looking anxiously over their shoulders so the importance of a couple good wins could see us shoot up the table.”

            The St Asaph-based Scaffolder has been one of the mainstays of the Town side this season and his goal tally has jettisoned the former Annfield player into The Canaries leading goalscorer.

            It was on Merseyside where Layton made his name just before the millennium when the then Reds boss Gerard Houllier handed the midfielder his debut in a League Cup tie with Hull City at Annfield.

            It was a memorable occasion for Layton who played for Stockport County, Mansfield Town, Cardiff City & Swansea after leaving Liverpool – the lifelong Kopite scored in front of his beloved end.

            “It was a memorable occasion especially as I’ve followed The Reds since I can remember. I played on the left and Steve Staunton talked me through the game. I had done very well in the reserves for a while and the manager had hinted I had a bright future at the club and was very much part of his plans.

            “But sadly I got injured and in the meantime a number of player came into the club and put me further down the pecking order and in the end I felt a move away might kickstart my career.

            “Sadly things didn’t work out but I’m really enjoying my football at the moment and the only downside has been we’ve been struggling down at the wrong end of the table.”