The New Saints will be hoping for third time lucky as they bid to get back to action in tonight’s clash with Llanelli at Park Hall (7.45pm).

Two previous meetings between the sides before Christmas were postponed, the first hit by fog an hour before kick off while a second attempt failed to materialise as Llanelli were unable to make the trip due to treacherous road conditions caused by snow and ice.

But, with the thaw having set in, the defending champions should have no problems getting the game played this evening as they bid to stay in touch with runaway leaders Bangor City, who have soared 13 points clear at the top.

Like the rest of the league, it has been a frustrating spell for the Saints with a string of postponements to disrupt their campaign but Llanelli – who have played three games fewer – face a far greater fixture backlog before the league splits in early February.

Having won all eight league outings on their artificial pitch this season, the Oswestry-based hosts are firm favourites to maintain their fine home run against a Reds side who have failed to deliver this season and find themselves lying fourth from bottom.

However, Saints boss Mike Davies will be taking nothing for granted, particularly as his side suffered a 2-1 loss at Llanelli earlier in the season.

Wing back Chris Marriott is still suspended.

• The Loosemores League Cup final between Llanelli and the Saints will be screened live by S4C from Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue stadium on Saturday, January 22 (kick-off 3.45pm).TNS will be aiming to make it a hat-trick, having lifted the cup in the past two seasons.

By JOHN BRIDGWATER