Defending JD Welsh Premier League champions are braced for another early season test with the visit of Bala Town to Park Hall in front of the live TV cameras (Saturday 5.15).
The Saints will be looking to bounce back after suffering a rare heavy defeat last weekend in new manager Scott Ruscoe’s first league game in charge.
They were sunk 5-2 by hopeful title challengers Bangor City amidst suggestions that the Welsh Premier League title race will be a far closely contested affair this year.
Saints were dealt another setback midweek when striker Scott Quigley joined Blackpool in a record breaking transfer for the Oswestry side.
This weekend’s visitors Bala Town will be looking to make life difficult for The New Saints once again in what is the first meeting between the two sides since Bala’s Welsh Cup final victory.
The Lakesiders started their campaign with a convincing win at Newtown last weekend.
“It was as good a team performance as I can remember. I could not have asked for any more,” said boss Colin Caton on his side’s opener.
The Saints struggled to get to grips defensively with Bangor City last weekend and will know that an improved performance is necessary if they are to prevent another one of their rivals from landing an early season blow.
“Every game’s a big game for us; we want three points from every single game we play,” injured full-back Chris Marriot told the club’s official website this week.
“We had a disappointing defeat last week but we’ll be going for a win this time round.
“It will be a tough game as always. They’re fit, they’re strong, they’re very well organised. They will come for the three points and give it a real go.”
Marriott has been sidelined throughout the summer and a return is believed to be another four to six weeks away.
Scott Ruscoe could hand a debut to new signing Callum Roberts this weekend. Ruscoe moved to sign the youngster on loan until the end of the year as cover for Marriot.
Bala are expected to be at full-strength with the exception of Ryan Wade who is suspended.
NEWS & NOTES FROM AROUND THE WPL
Gavin Chesterfield will take charge of his 350th game as Barry Town manager this weekend for his side’s visit to fellow newcomers Prestatyn Town.
The New Saints have been handed a home draw against Scottish League One champions Livingston in the second round of this season’s Irn-Bru Cup. The tie is the reverse of last season’s quarter-final clash between the two sides. Connah’s Quay, making their debut in the competition, will travel to Dumbarton.
Newtown have signed 19-year-old defender Tom Sears on loan from Shrewsbury. “Ryan is someone we have been keen on and with him being a local lad makes him a great signing,” said manager Chris Hughes.
Aberystwyth have continued to add to their squad after announcing the signing of local midfielder Matthew Jones, 18, following a successful trial.
UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) have confirmed former Rhyl striker Carl Lamb has been handed a two-year ban. Lamb, 32, tested positive for a metabolite of a prohibited substance, namely benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of cocaine), after playing for Rhyl in a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Newtown in December last year.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Friday: Aberystwyth v Llandudno, Newtown v Cefn Druids
Saturday: Cardiff Met v Bangor City, Connah’s Quay v Carmarthen, Prestatyn v Barry Town, The New Saints v Bala Town (TV game).
Featured image courtesy of the JD Welsh Premier League/The New Saints