The New Saints determined to widen the gap at the top
Coach Carl Darlington says The New Saints could hardly be better placed as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the Welsh Premier at home to GAP Connah's Quay tonight.
Despite being involved in a couple of draws of late, the Saints still hold a commanding nine-point lead at the top, and victory this evening would take them further clear of their rivals who all play the following day.
Few would bet against the league leaders who have a dominant home record against Quay, with 15 wins and just one defeat, while scoring 10 goals in the last two meetings between the sides at Park Hall.
"We're still unbeaten, and we've got a lot of self belief at the moment," said Darlington. "We're in the final of one cup, in the last 16 of another, and also top of the league, so we're on the crest of a wave.
"But we know we're up there to be shot down. There is extra motivation for teams to be the first to beat us this season, so that's something we've got to handle if we're going to keep the run going.
"Home has become our fortress where we have not lost for two years, but we have not been great there this season. We have drawn three of our home games, so we need to get back to winning again.
"If we can win, it would put us 12 points clear, which is an exceptional gap at this stage of the season, which is a credit to the players."
Saints defender Steve Evans, who is on loan with GAP, will not face his own club under the agreement between the clubs.
Meanwhile, boss Craig Harrison said the Welsh Cup comeback against Caernarfon Town underlined his team's credentials in their pursuit of more silverware this season.
The holders had trailed 2-0 after half-an-hour as a cup upset loomed, but three goals before the break turned the tie around as they progressed 3-2.
"It was a true sign of champions to come back the way we did in the face of adversity," said Harrison. "We knew it was going to be tough as we had everything to lose and they had nothing to lose, but we did not panic, and played with a lot of guts and determination."
