ALL roads lead to Park Hall tonight as leaders TNS host third placed Newtown in a JD Cymru Premier derby.

Both sides have been in great form so far this season with Newtown trimming the Oswestry side's lead at the top of the table a fortnight ago with a point against Bala Town while TNS suffered a first defeat of the league season.

Newtown make the trip sweating on the fitness of a host of players.

Midfielder George Hughes and forward James Davies face fitness tests while defenders Kieran Mills-Evans and Craig Williams are also carrying knocks.

Defenders Shane Sutton and Callum Roberts sustained injuries at home to Bala a fortnight ago and also face late fitness checks.

Manager Chris Hughes said: "We have a few injury worries which is far from ideal but we cannot complain.

"Ultimately games against TNS are always tough and we know tonight will be no different.

"They are a top side but we have some momentum at the moment and we will look to get something from the game.

"When our backs are against the wall we have always managed to produce something and that will be the aim tonight."

Hughes said the Robins were flying high from the strong end to last season.

"We ended last season well, we had a good time in Europe and and solid pre-season and we have taken that into the league campaign," said Hughes.

County Times: Callum Roberts in action for Newtown against Caernarfon Town. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Callum Roberts in action for Newtown against Caernarfon Town. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

TNS lead by six points from surprise challengers Flint Town United with Newtown leading the chasing pack.

Coach Anthony Limbrick said the Saints would go into the game bidding to get back to winning ways.

“We have analysed the Aberystwyth game over the last week or so,” said the TNS chief. “We certainly played well enough and created enough chances to win the game.

“However we did not take our chances on the night and when that happens it always leaves you vulnerable so one mistake cost us in the end.

“Aberystwyth defended well and all credit to them but ultimately it was a match we should have won.”

Limbrick insisted his players had not been idle during the international break and instead training hard ahead of their festive schedule.

“One period of our season is now over and it was unfortunate to end on a losing note,” said Limbrick. “In saying that we now have a busy period of fixtures leading up to the split in new year, starting against Newtown on Friday night.

“We have been training well and all the players are looking to help the club get back to winning ways.”

As ever the Saints have analysed their opponents who have emerged one of the surprise pace-setters last season.

Newtown have carried the form from the second half of last season which secured European football into the current campaign and in striker Aaron Williams and winger Lufumpa Mwandwe have the qualities to hurt any side in the JD Cymru Premier.

Limbrick insisted his charges would be prepared.

“We will be preparing in training and we will be ready for what will be another tough match,” said Limbrick. “Certainly they have the players who will look to exploit us and we must be prepared.

“We have had some tight games against Newtown in the past and I expect this one to be no different.”

The Saints chief said the Montgomeryshire side were one of several clubs capable of competing for Europe this season.

“If you look at the table and results this season then it would be fair to say the league has several clubs who are comparable,” said Limbrick. “Flint and Newtown are leading the chase and you could add a few other sides into that mix.

“It means every game is difficult and anyone can beat anyone.

“From our own point of view we will not look too much at the opposition and whether it is a derby like it is on Friday night and simply pay Newtown the respect we serve to all our opponents,” added the upbeat Saints chief.

The match kicks off at 7.45pm at Park Hall.