CAERNARFON Town captain Nathan Craig stated his side “deserve” their shot at Europa League playoff glory after a standout first season in the JD Welsh Premier League.

The former Everton trainee has been at the top of his game for the Canaries this season, producing a number of memorable goals to go along with his usual high level of consistent performances.

He has contributed significantly to the club’s fourth place finish, and they begin their Europa League playoff quest at home to Cardiff Met in front of the S4C Sgorio cameras on Saturday evening (7.30pm).

Craig, said: “We’ve had a fantastic season in our first season back in the Welsh Premier League.

“Obviously our objective first season back was to survive and build on next season but we as players believed we had enough to get into the top six, which I think overall we’ve deserved.

“To think where were this time last year it’s crazy to think we are two games away from a European match.

“That for me personally would mean everything as I grew up round the corner from The Oval, and being a ball boy, so to be involved in the squad that can take us to Europe would mean everything.”

Craig also gave special praise to the club’s loyal fan base, who have turned out in their hundreds on a weekly basis to support their team through thick and thin throughout the campaign.

Crowds of between 800 and 1,200 have been a regular occurrence at the Oval and the Cofi Army have played a leading role in the squad’s outstanding home form.

“I to mention our fantastic supporters, all season they’ve turned up in numbers and we can’t wait to give 100 per cent in front of the Cofis’ this Saturday,” added Craig.

The Cofis’ come into the game having lost their final two fixtures at champions The New Saints and Bala Town, but their home form has been a great source of encouragement with recent victories against Connah’s Quay Nomads, Newtown and the Lakesiders’ sure to stand them in good stead as they prepare for their playoff tilt.