THE stakes could not be higher as Mid Wales rivals Newtown and TNS go head to head on Saturday.

Newtown go into the game with an unbeaten home record knowing victory over the defending champions could be enough to climb to third in the table.

Meanwhile TNS will be gunning for victory in a bid to strengthen their lead at the top with Connahs Quay Nomads and Barry Town United ready to pounce.

TNS underlined their title credential with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Nomads last week.

Saints manager Scott Ruscoe urged his side not to let their slender lead at the top slip against a side he regarded as their bogey team.

“There’s no point going out on Saturday and beating our nearest rivals only to go and lose the derby against Newtown,” said Ruscoe.

“We want some daylight between us and the rest at the top of the league so we need to win in Newtown

“Nomads will hope we falter and now we must be in the same mentality as Saturday otherwise last week’s win will be wasted.

Ruscoe insisted he would keep the faith with his current starting eleven but could ring the changes for the Nathaniel MG Cup clash in Llandudno in midweek with the Seasiders currently struggling.

“You’ve got to be fair to the players who are doing well, especially when I am telling lads they have got to earn their place.

“There will be a time for it changes, perhaps at Llandudno in midweek.”

Meanwhile Newtown go into the derby on the back of the best 45 minute display since Chris Hughes took the helm of the club in 2013.

“I think our second-half display at Caernarfon was the best during my time at the club,” said Hughes. “We were very good indeed.

“We must start games better and manage matches but I was happy with our togetherness and the way we battled and put our bodies on the line.

“It was a great atmosphere and full credit to Caernarfon.

“We knew it was an important game so it was a very pleasing performance and one we will look to take into the derby with TNS on Saturday.”