TNS bid to take another step toward retaining the J D Welsh Premier title when Bala Town visit Park Hall tonight (Friday).

The Saints are just four points away from sealing the title after a last gasp Kevin Kauber goal saved a point in a battling 1-1 draw at Cardiff Metropolitan last week.

Manager Scott Ruscoe insisted the Saints would look to end the season strongly with several of the squad playing for their futures.

The Saints have endured a testing month as hopes of a clean sweep of honours ended after crashing out of the Irn Bru Cup and JD Welsh Cup.

Ruscoe said: “It’s been a difficult few weeks but you can see we’re carrying injuries, we’re not making excuses, it’s how it is in terms of players we have available to choose from.

“With the league almost done we can give some of the lads a rest. There was seven players missing on Saturday who could arguably be in our starting line-up. “

The Saints chief insisted preparations for next season and beyond had already begun.

“We had four 17-year-olds in that squad last weekend and I was pleased for Kevin who has shown patience since joining us.

“It was good for Kevin to finally make an impact,” said Ruscoe. “Since his debut he’s been having bit parts and getting used to the way we play.

“You can train all you want but it’s games where you get used to players, and it’s been hard to give him a start.

“Dean Ebbe came straight in because he’s a forward and then Greg Draper came back early from training, who also plays in his position.”

Ruscoe revealed several players reaching the end of their contract would be playing for their future between now and the end of the season with the Saints chief confirming the squad needed new blood.

“Players who we’ve brought in and those few who are out of contract in the summer, have something to play for,” said Ruscoe.”We need to freshen up and we’re looking at targets.

“First we need four points to win the league and beating Bala on Friday will all but secure that.”