The New Saints looking for win that wraps up title

Although still only early February, the unbeaten Saints stand on the brink of an 11th league crown after their 2-0 success over Cardiff Met University.

Victory, their 22nd out of 23 league games this season, saw the defending champions open up a massive 24-point lead at the top.

Goals in each half from Adrian Cieslewicz and Alex Darlington earned victory over the students, leaving TNS requiring just four points from their remaining nine games.

However, with a vastly superior goal difference of 49, one more win would suffice for the all-conquering Saints, regardless of whether results elsewhere go their way this weekend.

"We'd love to wrap it up as soon as possible," said boss Craig Harrison.

"Our aim is to win every game. It would be great to go through the season unbeaten, but Carmarthen is always a tough place to go. The pitch is heavy, the grass is long and it is one of my least favourite places.

"It is no surprise they have done well this season. Their coach Mark Aizlewood is tactically very astute, and he has a bunch of players who will run through a brick wall for him. He will have a game plan, which we will have to deal with.

"But to be in this position so early is testament to the players, who have been fantastic this season."

The Saints have kept 12 clean sheets in the league out of 23 games, while netting 79 times and conceding 14.

Meanwhile, Chris Seargeant's opening strike in the 4-0 Welsh Cup win over Barry Town was voted the Welsh Premier's goal of the month for January.

Newtown look to continue their climb clear of trouble in the crunch showdown with Rhyl at Latham Park.

"There are going to be lots of twists and turns in the bottom six, but we're unbeaten in three now, and just have to keep on performing," said boss Chris Hughes. "It's going to be tight in the bottom six."