TNS manager Scott Ruscoe has backed the champions-elect to use the disappointment of Friday’s draw with Cefn Druids to take a giant leap towards the title against Bangor City tonight (Friday).

The Citizens arrive at Park Hall bidding to make inroads in the Saints’ massive 12 point lead at the top.

Bangor have been bolstered by the January signing of Alex Darlington from TNS who will be keen to get one over his former employesr and immediately endear himself to the travelling City faithful.

“Bangor is going to be a key game and a tough one too,” said Ruscoe. “We had them at Park Hall two weeks ago in a decent clash which we won with a late winner.”

City beat TNS on the opening day of the season but since TNS have gone from strength to strength while the North Wales side have struggled for consistency.

“They’re going to be up for it and pushing us all the way but hopefully we’ll have a good week in training which will get the lads’ spirits up so we are ready to go.”

The TNS boss admitted he was disappointed by his side’s performance in last week’s draw at Cefn Druids.

Ruscoe said: “It was a disappointing result in the end. If you go a goal up, then 2-1 up before conceding a minute later then you’re a bit frustrated.”

However Ruscoe praised Druids who were worthy of a point against the champions elect.

“Fair play to Druids as they had a right good go at us,” said Ruscoe.

“They had nothing to lose and they came out and pressed us. They tried something different and the lads can’t always have it their own way. “

“You have to fight, scrap and keep the ball in the tight spaces and you might not get many opportunities, but when they do come along you have to be ruthless and put the game to bed. We didn’t do that on Friday.”

However Ruscoe insisted the poor display had yielded another point toward the inevitable title.

“We didn’t have our usual way of keeping the ball and dominating possession and our decisions were not good,” said Ruscoe. “Our decisions in tackling, transition, in threading things through were not up to standard either.

“I just don’t think we were our usual selves. You have these nights and sometimes you’ve just got to accept it.

“It’s another point for us and we’re heading in the right direction but obviously with Connahs Quay getting a point we’d have liked to have got all three points.”