The New Saints are geared up to defend their title

The New Saints are ready to hit the ground running as they launch their defence of the Welsh Premier crown in tonight’s home clash with Airbus UK (7.45pm).

That’s the warning from head coach Carl Darlington after some impressive performances against higher- ranked clubs in their pre-season friendlies, including a 2-0 loss against Shrewsbury Town, a 3-1 win against a Manchester City under-21 side, and a 1-0 verdict over a Wigan side containing first team fringe players.

“These games were a fantastic experience for the players, and we achieved our main objective of producing quality performances which we now want to take onto the pitch for our first game against Airbus tonight,” said Darlington.

“We’re raring to go for the start of the season and we couldn’t be any better prepared as we look forward to defending our title and keeping that level of performance going.

“The friendlies were a good test for us, a great opportunity for the players, and it was pleasing to see we could hold our own against bigger clubs.”

The Saints, who have hinted at one more addition to the squad following Craig Jones’ departure to League One side Bury, will be without their two injured strikers, Matty Williams and Mike Wilde, for the league’s curtain-raiser.

Williams could be back in first team contention within a month following his knee operation that kept him out for much of last season.

Wilde, who has also been sidelined by a knee problem, may feature in the squad for the second outing of the campaign at Afan Lido next Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Saints’ second-string goalkeeper Alex Ramsay has joined Cymru Alliance side Rhyl on loan.

The 19-year-old, who is a product of the TNS Scholarship Scheme, has represented Wales at semi-pro under-18 Level and also is part of the FAW Futsal team.