THE New Saints boss Scott Ruscoe has admitted his side’s performance in their thrashing of Aberystwyth Town in Monday’s Cymru Premier Division clash has eased the pain of Friday’s defeat to Bala Town.

The Lakesiders beat the champions with a comeback win on Friday to inflict a first defeat of the season on TNS but the Saints bounced back in the most emphatic fashion, thrashing the Seasiders 10-1,with a Billy Whitehouse hat-trick leading the way.

Ruscoe admits he could the positives in Friday’s defeat and believes that his side now have an example of what happens when they are ruthless in front of goal, something the Saints boss has been highly critical of in the past.

“To be honest I wasn’t too despondent about Friday night’s defeat to Bala,” said Ruscoe, whose side sit fourth in the table.

“I was more disappointed in how we defended against them. Our overall play was fine, we stuck to our beliefs and played that way but it was more about us on set-plays.

“We didn’t come up trumps, we didn’t deal with things in the way I know we can, but I think that’s something mentality-wise, to be honest.

“It’s got nothing to do with the players’ belief or their ability; it comes down to us switching off because we’re not being asked those questions enough.

“But I asked for a response against Aber on Monday and it was the perfect comeback for the players.

“This win was an example of saying to the players of what happens when you are ruthless.

“It’s what happens when you work the keeper. I’ve maybe been a bit critical of our players for not working the keeper.

“It’s all right moving the ball from side-to-side but if it ends up with a blocked cross or a shot over the bar, then you’re not going to score are you?

“The amount of chances we had today, the conversion rate was very good, proven by the amount of goals we scored.

“But we were into positions where we’re shooting at the target so the proof is in the pudding and let’s continue that form on Saturday at home to Penybont.

“I’m not saying we’re going to win by 10 but let’s test their keeper.”

Saints kick-off at 2.30pm at Park Hall on Saturday.