TNS are braced for a testing double
Head coach Carl Darlington is under no illusions that leaders The New Saints face a tricky festive double header when they tackle revitalised Newtown.
First up, the defending champions head to Paveaways Latham Park to face the Robins on Boxing Day before hosting their third-placed rivals in the return at Park Hall on New Year's Day.
Having dropped their first home points of the season with last week's 1-1 draw against Bala Town, Darlington is fully aware of the potential pitfalls this week.
"Historically we have really tough games against Newtown, and we're expecting no different in the next two games," he said.
"They have been excellent all season. Bernard McNally did really well and Chris Hughes has now come in and carried on the good work and taken them a step further.
"We'll be wary of them, but we can go there in good heart. Last Friday's 1-1 draw with Bala was a reality check, we had chances to have put the game to bed, but in the end rode our luck and were fortunate to come away with a point.
Newtown have lost just once in their last nine league outings, a run that has seen five wins, three draws and a defeat and includes a 2-2 draw with second-placed Airbus UK.
