The New Saints fired up to secure league and cup double

Having already lifted the Welsh Premier title for a record breaking eighth time and secured a shot at Champions League football next term, the Saints are the bookies' favourites to complete a league and cup double for the second time in three seasons.

But they were given an unwanted headache this week with their last league outing at Carmarthen Town being rearranged for Tuesday night after it was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last Saturday.

With one eye on the cup final, the Saints suffered a 1-0 loss in West Wales to end the championship- winning season on a losing note, and Darlington admitted having to play midweek was not the ideal build-up for tomorrow's final at Wrexham's Racecourse ground (3pm).

"Having to play the game on Tuesday meant our preparations went out of the window," he said. "We had planned for a free week to train from Monday to Friday, but that did not materialise.

"It was not ideal, we only had one full training session with the squad yesterday, but we've just got to get on with it the best we can.

"We started the season on a high, and we want to finish it on a high, and we'll make sure everyone is ready and firing."

The Saints will be mindful of the threat posed by an in-form Aberystwyth side who drew 2-2 with the champions earlier in the season. The teams are the highest scorers in the league, which should provide an exciting and open final.

"To win the Welsh Cup to add to the league title would make it a fantastic season for the club, that is our focus," said Darlington.

"Aber will go into the game with no pressure as they have already qualified for Europe just by reaching the final.

"We lost in the semi-final last season, which still hurts, so it's nice go one better this season."