After the briefest of close seasons, The New Saints get their Corbetts Sports Welsh Premier campaign underway tonight (7.45) at home to Bala Town as they embark on their mission to regain the league crown.

The Saints had little time to dwell on missing out on the title on the last day last term, having less than two weeks off before returning to training in readiness for their Europa League games.

Having since lifted the Shropshire Senior Cup with a penalty shootout win over AFC Telford United, boss Mike Davies now admits it’s vital his side start off at a high intensity in the league.

“We’ve had a good pre-season, but that will count for nothing if we lose tonight,” he said. “Bala have made a lot of new signings during the summer and it will be a good test for us. They have quality players and are capable of beating anyone on their day.

“Apart from our defeat against Neath at the end of last season, our form has been good at home and we’re looking to get off to a good start. The more points you get on the board early on the better.”

Although wingman Richie Partridge has been forced to quit football as the result of a persistent knee injury, the Saints have bolstered their squad in the past week by re-signing their former midfielder Nicky Ward from Bangor City, and Wales Under-19 midfielder Tom Roberts.

Their arrival, along with four new recruits earlier in the summer, means there will be plenty of competition for places.

* The league’s new sponsors Corbett Sports make Oswestry-based TNS marginal favourites to snatch the Welsh Premier crown from Bangor City this season.

Unveiled as the new backers of the league, the bookies have the Saints priced at 2/1 to regain the crown, with reigning champions City a 21/10 shot for a follow-up. Newtown are 33/1 to win the league.