THIS season has been one of the hardest in Wayne Jones’ managerial career. That’s the admission of the Haverfordwest coach off the back of a 6-0 thumping by runaway league leaders TNS at the weekend.

TNS striker and Cyrmu Premier top scorer Declan McManus netted a hat-trick as the Bluebirds were undone in seven decisive minutes of the second half, with three goals conceded in quick succession.

McManus got two and Ryan Brobbel got one, and from there it was damage limitation as Haverfordwest conceded a further three goals in the second half, McManus completing his hat-trick either side of Danny Redmond and Dean Ebbe scoring.

The loss leaves Haverfordwest in lowly tenth however they are only three points off Barry in sixth. Jones says above all top half is the most important thing to him.

“We have put ourselves in a much better position than where we were a month ago. I think we have worked hard under difficult circumstances with players out. We have given ourselves a chance but I will keep saying it until it is undoable, it is about a push for the top half.

“We are coming into the Christmas period, let’s just get as many points on the board as we can now to put us in a position come December that we have something to play for.”

There were more injury woes for Haverfordwest at the weekend with Elliot Scotcher unavailable due to aggravating his knee in the win over Newtown.

Jazz Richards was back and completed 90 minutes but Mason Jones-Thomas lasted minutes of coming on as he continued to be blighted by a recurring groin injury.

Jones says he has never had an injury list like it in what he admitted was one of the toughest seasons he has ever experienced.

The omission came after positive messages from chairman Rob Edwards through the week who tweeted, ‘where are the doubters who were calling for a change after five games? The players and coaches couldn’t be giving any more. Trust and believe’.

"In my 10 year coaching career I have most probably found this season the toughest in terms of having to deal with the injuries and absences because I have never had that. Yes you do feel pressure but I like pressure. The chairman has been brilliant with me and the directors are all positive. I know I have the backing of them.

“We have a small squad and we lost a couple of players but me and the staff are all working tirelessly trying to get things right.

“The support we have had in terms of the crowd has been excellent. My shoulders are broad enough. Pressure comes from me first and as long as I have done my best and can walk away knowing this then I can’t do anymore.”