By Matthew Burgess
The New Saints can edge closer towards retaining the JD Welsh Premier League title with a win over Bala Town tonight (7.45).
Having comfortably defeated current leaders Connah’s Quay last time out, Saints will return back top of the table if they can maintain their rich vein of form.
Scott Ruscoe’s men are unbeaten in their last 12 league outings but are yet to record a victory over the Lakesiders this season, having drawn their previous two meetings.
Midfielder Aeron Edwards could be a doubt after featuring midweek in Wales C’s 2-2 draw with England. Ruscoe must again decide whether to recall the WPL’s leading scorer Greg Draper, who finds himself out of favour.
“I feel a bit for the players that are training really hard and the players that can step in and do a job for us – we can’t give them that game time when we are going with a different formation, shape or player for that game,” said Ruscoe.
Elsewhere tonight, relegation threatened Llandudno host play-off chasing Aberystwyth Town, who’re searching for a third-straight win.
Connah’s Quay will put their title aspirations on hold this weekend as they compete in Saturday’s Irn-Bru Scottish Challenge Cup final this weekend, against Ross County in Inverness.
The Nomads are bidding to become the first non-Scottish side to win the competition but manager Andy Morrison is expecting a tough test from the Scottish Championship leaders.
“We’ve watched numerous videos now and I’ve been to watch them twice. We’re in for a tough game, this is a Premiership-calibre outfit who are eight points clear in the Scottish Championship so we’re under no illusions as to how much of a challenge thiswill be,” he said.
Also on Saturday, Barry Town are looking to bounce back from successive defeats against Caernarfon Town, Cardiff Met entertain Carmarthen and Cefn Druids make the trip down to bottom side Llanelli.
