The New Saints manager Scott Ruscoe is anticipating a tight game when they take on second placed Connah’s Quay Nomads on Saturday.

The Saints are currently three points above Nomads at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table, and know a win over the current champions could double their lead in first place.

With the league approaching the halfway point, Ruscoe is certain a six point advantage would be a huge boost to his side.

“It’ll be a big test,” he said looking ahead to Saturday’s game.

“Bala, Barry and Connah’s Quay have been impressive this season and all done well.

“When these games come along, you can see the intensity of the players in training, they can’t wait for it.

“It’s a very important game, especially at this stage of the season.

“We’re almost at the halfway point, so to get a six point lead at this time would be fantastic.

“The form we’ve been in, we’re continuing to improve and seem to be on an upward curve, so hopefully we can get three points on Saturday and get a bit of a buffer at the top of the table.

“It’ll take the wind out of their sails too and put a spring in our step.”

Connah’s Quay Nomads have won all of their last five games, while Saints have enjoyed four wins and a draw.

The two sides have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the league.

Ruscoe’s men also boast the best attacking record in the league so far this season, and he believes his side can continue finding the net when they face Nomads.

“Both sides will do all they can to not concede,” he said.

“Last time we played them at their place, the conditions were awful and there were few chances in the game.

“A little mistake led to them scoring, so we’ll be keen to make sure we don’t make mistakes and we win first and second balls.

“It’ll be a tight game, but we’re aware we have the best defensive record and the best attacking record in the league.

“It does bode well for us, but it’s on the day that it counts, and we want to make sure we make it count on Saturday.

“We want to keep things tight at the back and take our chances whenever they come along.”

Goals have been coming thick and fast for Saints, who have scored eight in their last two outings.

Greg Draper scored three of the side’s four goals last time out against bottom of the league Cefn Druids, with defender Blaine Hudson heading home the other goal to wrap up the win.

The Saints boss was impressed with the forward and the rest of his side after their performance secured three points last week.

Ruscoe said: “We moved the ball quickly and defended well.

“We were on the front foot, determined and nicked the ball back off them high up the pitch.

“We could’ve scored more than we did.”

TNS travel to Connah’s Quay to face Nomads on Saturday, December 12 (kick-off 4.30pm).