The New Saints are properly prepared for their return to action

The Park Hall club’s European exploits before Christmas, including the travel involved with playing 14 European ties, restricted the time TNS had available to prepare for matches.

But Saints’ January fixture list has been much quieter, with the JD Cymru Premier leaders playing just twice.

Their scheduled opening phase two league fixture at Caernarfon Town last Friday night was postponed owing to storm damage at The Oval.

Now they are getting ready to host fourth-placed Cardiff Met, the side who also provided the opposition the last time they played, with Saints 2-0 winners in the Welsh capital on January 14.

“With not playing last week, we’ve got to make sure that we are right at it,” said head coach Harrison. "We’ve had another good week of training this week.

“We’ve had four sessions again this week, four sessions last week, where previously we’ve been having two sessions and a recovery session, so, yes, it’s all been good on the training pitch, and let’s hope it reflects that on the actual pitch on Saturday.”

Cardiff Met will travel to Oswestry full of confidence after impressively beating second-placed Penybont 2-1 last Friday night.

That result meant Penybont remain a point behind TNS, having now played a game more than Saints, after missing the chance to return to the top of the table.

“Cardiff Met are a very good team,” added Harrison. "They’re well organised. They’ve got good, young, enthusiastic players.”