The New Saints hit as Carl Darlington sits out title run in

Darlington, who has netted 10 times this season, suffered a broken metatarsal in the league leaders' 4-1 victory over Bangor City last Saturday, and the former Wrexham forward will play no further part in the chase for a league and Welsh Cup double.

"It's a massive blow to lose Alex, we wish him all the best for a full recovery, but fortunately we've got strength in depth," said head coach Carl Darlington.

"We've got plenty of options. Mike Wilde scored twice against Bangor, and Greg Draper came on and did well so it's a great opportunity for him now."

Wilde and Draper have scored 21 goals between them this season, and Darlington believes the Saints still look in good shape as they bid to march on at the top of the table in tomorrow's home clash with Carmarthen Town (2.30pm).

"We were really happy with the display against Bangor, particularly with the performance in the second half," he said. "People will point to the sending-off of their keeper, but we were already 2-1 up and on top at that stage.

"The only downside was that we had some great chances to have been further ahead, and need to be more ruthless in front of goal."

Kai Edwards, who was forced off after rolling his ankle in the victory against Bangor, faces a fitness check this week, but Ryan Fraughan could be back on contention after missing recent games.

TNS director of football Craig Harrison, meanwhile, is refusing to get carried away despite the defending champions sitting pretty at the top of the Welsh Premier.

The win over Bangor kept the defending three points clear at the top of the table, and with a game in hand on their only realistic challengers, Airbus UK.

With eight games remaining the Saints are well-placed to land a record-breaking eighth league crown.

"We have a got ourselves a nice little gap at the top of the table and we just have to keep going," he said.

"We certainly don't think that we have won the league. We have to keep on working hard and winning games."