Boss Harrison hails his ruthless TNS

The defending champions made it eight wins out of eight with a 2-0 midweek win over Bala Town at Flint's Cae-y-Castell Stadium, a victory that saw them extend their lead to eight points at the top.

And Harrison says that victory underlined the relentless drive of his players who completed a quichkfire double having dispatched the same opponent 5-1 just four days earlier in the first meeting at Park Hall

"We showed a different side to our game," he said.

"We are known for being a good passing side, playing flowing football, but Tuesday was a different type of game against strong, physical opponents on a terrible surface where the ball was bobbling about.

"For me it was our best performance of the season by far.

"The lads were fantastic, they had to dig in and really put in a shift.

"To win these sort of games is just as pleasing as when you win by scoring four or five and winning comfortably. The players have been fantastic, they've been ruthless and relentless."

Early strikes from Robbie Parry and Alex Darlington put the Saints on course for victory against spirited opposition who were vastly improved from the first meeting.

The Saints have now scored 34 goals in eight games, with just three conceded, and Harrison added: "We don't just rely on one player, we can score from all over the pitch.

"Last season, we did not score as many goals as we would have liked, something we wanted to put right.

"We've got a young and dynamic team with a lot of energy and potential."

With Gap Connah's Quay drawing 1-1 against Llandudno, the Saints are now eight points clear at the top with a quarter of the season gone.

Next up tomorrow is a home clash against Carmarthen Town who were left reeling following their 5-0 demolition against Aberystwyth Town on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Saints' second-choice keeper Chris Mullock has been loaned to Welsh Premier League rivals Aberystwyth Town.

The former Cefn Druids goalkeeper joined The Saints during the summer of 2013.