Aberystwyth Town assistant manager Gavin Allen says ensuring survival is his absolute priority after his team’s weekend draw against Llandudno ended a run of seven-straight defeats.

Allen, who made 167 WPL appearances as a player for the Green and Blacks, has temporarily taken over the reins from Nev Powell while the club seek to appoint an UEFA Pro Licence holder as manager.

Powell, who does not possess Pro Licence despite his 25 years’ worth of experience, has returned to his previous role of Director of Football.

Geoff Kellaway’s dipping half-volley from the edge of the area earned Aberystwyth a share of the spoils last Friday and moved the Park Avenue side 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

“If we take points from teams i.e. Llanelli next week it’s going to be tough for them to catch us,” said Allen. “I know expectations are for us to get into the play-off but the biggest thing for us is to stay in this league.

“If you’ve been watching the last seven games of this run we’ve been on, you’ve got to mention the luck that we have had – in some games, we’ve been hitting the post, getting shots cleared off the line, some referee decisions cost us.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done on the training pitch. That’s where you grow, to get that dressing room right again and to get that confidence. We’ve definitely got the quality in the team, that’s not in doubt.”

The club have also confirmed five players had put to pen to paper during the closing hours of last week’s transfer window. Former Bangor City winger Jamie McDaid arrives along with Adam Walters (GK), Carwyn Jones (D), Harry Cottam and Bradley Johnson, pending international clearance from New Zealand.

Aberystwyth have also announced the departure of Nashawn Blake, who made 0 (7) WPL appearances for the club this season.