CWMBRAN need a miracle if they are to receive £15,000 for reaching the quarter-finals of the FAW Premier Cup and a guaranteed home draw against the likes of Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham or Barry Town.

Some will claim if Cwmbran win at home against Rhyl and away to Afan Lido, nine points could be enough to gain a last-eight spot.

But having lost five times in their last seven outings, the prospect of hosting Rhyl and visiting Afan Lido offers little hope of Cwmbran improving on their three-point tally from four Group A outings.

There was never any danger of a Cwmbran success last night and Caersws deserved their victory.

They played better football, looked more organised and home goalkeeper Marty Ellacott had to make the most saves.

Cwmbran did have their moments, notably through striker Mattie Davies and midfielder Anthony Wright in the second half.

But what half chances went their way were eventually missed or dealt with by Caersws custodian Andy Mulliner.

Cwmbran were minus influential midfielders Adam Moore and Nathan Wigg and brought back central defender Richard David to replace the out-of-form Jason Welsh.

What made the defeat even more frustrating was struggling Caersws, only one point off the bottom of the Welsh Premier table and already beaten 4-2 at home by Cwmbran in this competition, fielded a starting line-up short of six regulars due to injury.

Yet by the time former Aston Villa striker Graham Evans glanced home a 67th-minute cross from Shrewsbury Town loanee Ross Stephens the visitors had long looked the better team.

Cwmbran's display was an improvement on the first half showing at Caernarfon, but they have another tough clash this weekend when they host Connah's Quay Nomads.

A win is an absolute must if team confidence is to be lifted, and unless it is gained soon, Cwmbran's hopes of success could be over by Christmas.

Cwmbran Town: M Ellacott, R Carter (J Jenkins 77), N Smothers (J Aspell 73), M Pattimore, G Warton, R David (M Dunn 81), C Summers, S Wharton (c), M Davies, A Wright, S Mainwaring. Subs not used: C Watkins, J Welsh. Booked: Mainwaring (2, unsporting behaviour), Warton (57, foul), Wharton (75, foul), Summers (88, foul).

Caersws: A Mulliner, A Thomas, S Jehu, G Williams, C Richards, J Davies, C Reynolds, R Stephens, G Evans, G Jones, A Davies. Subs not used: A Fletcher, N Gorman, N Beddoes. Goal: Evans (67).