TNS host Llanelli on Saturday (7.30) with manager Scott Ruscoe backing his side to carry their festive form into 2019.

The Saints have been flying over the past month and despite still trailing leaders Connahs Quay Nomads and second placed Barry Town United the Oswestry side remain very much in the title race.

Ruscoe described his side’s victory over Newtown last week as the “one of the best of the season so far” and backed his side to maintain their form when struggling Llanelli arrive on Saturday night.

“We’ve had a good few wins but it’s about getting on a run now and showing everyone how good we are,” said Ruscoe“It was about being professional and seeing the game out against Newtown and we did that.”

Ruscoe reckoned his side had found their ruthless edge following theirt early season wobble.

“It’s about being hungry and managing the game properly,” said Ruscoe. “If we get a goal in the first half then few teams are going to be able to beat you and then we can pick them off on the counter-attack because we have that pace and energy.”

However Ruscoe pointed to the return of defender Blaine Hudson as key to the Saints return to form which has seen the club keep four consecutive clean sheets.

“Blaine organises us, he wins his headers and has great experience but we also have Chris Marriot who is one of our most experienced players while Simon Spender is in form and Danny Redmond has done a great job at left back.

“Paul Harrison completes them as a unit and he is doing brilliantly keeping clean sheets.”

Ruscoe remained confident of overhauling the Saints title rivals with TNS set to meet both Nomads and Barry twice more this season.

“I’m happy to be where we are now. We’ve scored the most, we’re in a good place as the league’s highest scorers and looking good going into the 10 games after the Llanelli game,” said Ruscoe. “It’s totally down to us if we want to go on another winning streak and then see how the other two get on with pressure they have never felt before.”

Meanwhile Ruscoe backed Llanelli to only improve with the addition of ex-Swansea City midfielder Leon Britton who has come out of retirement to help the club’s survival bid.

“Britton has given them a new lease of life,” said Ruscoe. “If you are signing that quality of player then you are only going to improve your team but we will just get on with our business of working towards three points as usual.”