The New Saints staying focused with title on the horizon

With title rivals Airbus UK suffering a surprise 2-1 home defeat against lowly GAP Connah's Quay in midweek, the Saints can now move six points clear should they prevail in the Park Hall clash.

With two games in hand on the Wingmakers, a record breaking eighth championship is now firmly in sight for the defending champions who remain unbeaten on home surrounds this season.

"It's another important game for us, and there will be no need to motivate the players as they all know what it means to themselves, to the team and the club," said Darlington.

"We're not talking of the title, we've just got to focus on tonight, and not look too far ahead,

"Everyone needs to stay switched on and look to put in another good performance, as we all know what hinges on each game.

"We must make sure we prepare well for each game, and keep grinding out results. If we keep winning, then it doesn't matter what anyone else does."

Should TNS win tonight, they will need at most seven points from their remaining five games to clinch the title, but six points should be enough as they have a far superior goal difference.

The league leaders maintained their winning streak with a hard-earned 2-1 win at Newtown last Saturday to ensure they stayed well clear of Airbus.

"Newtown's Latham Park has always been a bogey ground for us, it was a local derby, so the result was more important than anything else," said Darlington.

Defender Kai Edwards and Chris Seargeant should be pushing for places in the starting line up after shaking off recent knocks, while Ryan Fraughan faces a check on his foot injury. Striker Alex Darlington is the only absentee with a broken bone in his foot.