The New Saints boss Scott Ruscoe believes his side’s last-gasp win over Cefn Druids will be felt 35 miles north by their title rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Greg Draper’s 89th-minute equaliser and Dean Ebbe’s 94th-minute winner gave TNS the unlikely win after Druids took the lead at Park Hall.

Nomads briefly replaced Saints at the top of the table, but Ruscoe’s men go into 2020 in the driving seat for the league title.

“Of course it sends a big message to Connah’s Quay Nomads,” he said.

“If you look at the games against Airbus, I expected them to get six points across both games, though they huffed and puffed in the first game.

“Tonight it was three with late goals so at this time of the season, you take your wins. We were unlucky against Cardiff Met I thought as we deserved at least a draw.

“But results can go against you – look at the Premier League in England for the other spots.

“Results can go against you because all you’re doing is training and playing, training and playing all the time.

“Things can go against you sometimes but I don’t question the players’ desire. But to do it every single game is tough.

“Our result tonight would have been a kick in the gut for Nomads but we’ve been in their position a lot this season – sitting in second and third.

“I’ve told the boys not to give up that top spot.”

Ruscoe dismissed thoughts that teams are no longer afraid of coming to Oswestry, following Cardiff Met’s win and Druids’ showing.

But he did find time to praise the ever-increasing standards in the sides around the top six, believing teams in the league could be closing the gap.

He added: “I don’t think there’s less of a fear factor about teams coming to Park Hall anymore, but I do think it’s more to do with better players.”

He also added that Saints are looking to do business after the transfer window opened today (Wednesday).

“Cefn Druids, a few years ago, we would have battered them over both games, although we did beat them heavily the other day.

“But now their players are better, the manager is better, the coaching is better and they have more money for players.

“Everyone will catch up with us unless we go out and do what we did many years ago which was to go out and play players that cost a lot more money than everyone else.

“We’re not doing that so we have to make sure our signings are right and that they buy into it. Hats off to Druids because after getting beat 5-0, they came here and played really well.

“Hopefully we will do some January business.

“We have three or four that we’ve contacted and I’d like to get at least one or two in.”

Saints will now be out of action for 10 days, with players given time off, but will head to Newtown on Friday, January 10 (8pm kick-off), hoping to maintain their recent good form over the Robins.