TNS host Caernarfon Town tonight (Friday) with the Oswestrians playing catch up in the JD Welsh Premier title race.

The faltering champions slipped to third with defeat at Aberystwyth Town on Friday with manager Scott Ruscoe admitting a big improvement was needed to revive their title defence, starting at home to Caernarfon.

Ruscoe also confirmed the club would look to strengthen in January should their current slump continue with the Saints boss accepting his side needed to start converting chances.

However Ruscoe insisted the squad retained his faith and backed them to go on an unbeaten run from now until the end of the season.

“The absolute minimum for us to win the league. I have always felt t this squad is more than capable and there’s no reason why this squad can’t go 20 games unbeaten.

“It’s not a major concern right now. It would be if we weren’t picking up any points at all but we are.”

Ruscoe insisted the buck stopped with him and acknowledged failure would not be tolerated at P:ark Hall.

“We’re expected to win our league and if we don’t people enjoy seeing that and want others to win.

“All that comes with being at TNS and if you don’t win the league then you’re in the position of where the chairman might make the decision to get someone in who will.

“I have to make sure the players are in top fitness, their confidence levels are high and we get back to beating teams comfortably.”

Ruscoe backed his squad to overcome their crisis in confidence which has stemmed from a disappointing start to the season, including early elimination from the Irn Bru Cup at the hands of part timers Queens Park.

“I’m a bit down following the draw at Newtown and defeat at Aberystwyth.

“We should be steamrollering these teams, no matter what way you look at it. They went man-to-man again and I think it’s affecting the lads’ concentration a little bit.

“Our confidence is lacking if things don’t go our way early on.

“We have so much possession and the midfielders and forwards aren’t taking their chances and that adds pressure on our defenders from there.”

“We need to be more focused like the professional team we are, both in our preparations and method while we all need to improve as players and staff.”

Meanwhile young midfielder Ben Clark has joined lowly Llandudno on a short-term loan deal in a bid to gain match time.

“It will be good for Ben,” said Ruscoe.

“Hopefully he will get minutes week in and week out. We will assess it and have a look at him in a first team environment in a strong league.”