The New Saints manager Scott Ruscoe has called on his side to raise their game ahead of tonight’s trip to Cefn Druids (7.45).

A win would put Saints five-points clear at the JD Welsh Premier League summit – but Ruscoe warns they need to improve if they are to capitalise on their game in-hand.

Ruscoe’s men moved clear at the top of the table on the weekend but their passage to victory over lowly Carmarthen was far from straightforward, with Saints needing late goals from Jamie Mullan to put the result beyond doubt.

Speaking after the game Ruscoe said: “5-2 flattered us, it was one of our poorest performances of the season. On a positive, it’s three points but on a negative I don’t think we played well at all.”

Another less-than-convincing performance could well see The New Saints come unstuck at the Rock with Huw Griffiths’ Cefn Druids riding high in the table.

Druids have performed above expectations so far this season and have put themselves in contention for a top-six finish.

“Huw is an excellent coach, he gets his players well-organised. He’s not working with one of the bigger budgets, I’d imagine, but he gets the best out of them, he makes good signings and I like what he does,” Said Ruscoe.

Blaine Hudson could make his first start in six weeks for The New Saints after being sidelined with an ankle injury. The central defender played the entire second-half on the weekend and is in contention to start.

Cefn Druids have fitness worries on Zimbabwean midfielder Alec Mudimu, who came off in their 2-1 win over Barry Town on Saturday.