The New Saints boss Scott Ruscoe believes Saints have a template ready to go to put pressure on Welsh Premier League leaders Connah’s Quay Nomads against Newtown on Friday.

TNS dispatched their near-neighbours last month with a 4-0 home win with Ruscoe stating he felt it was time to put the Robins ‘hoodoo’ behind them.

And with Saints sitting out their opening phase two fixture because of a postponement at Bala Town, Ruscoe expects his full squad to be ready to go from minute one.

“It’s been in our thinking about Newtown at home that it should be exactly the same as last time where we got at them from the start,” said Ruscoe who has added winger Billy Whitehouse to his squad following his switch from Evo Stick League minnows Tadcaster Albion during the January window.

“Eventually they got tired and we got at them more and more in the second-half,” added Ruscoe. “We’re looking at this game and will always have the knowledge that they have taken points off us in the past, including two at the start of the season.

“We know the job in hand. They have strengthened with a couple of signings too but we know our job is to get those three points on Friday.”

Ruscoe was grateful for last week’s postponement which has allowed some of the TNS injury list to ease.

“The extra few days means it gave the likes of Chris Marriott more time to recover to be fit for this,” added Ruscoe. “Chris came off against Broughton so he’ll do everything he can to be available for selection.

“Aaron Edwards and Jon Routledge have also rested. Injuries are creeping in so the call-off on Thursday did give us an extra few days to make sure everyone is ready, and that while we’re looking after fitness levels, we’re keeping players available when needed.

“They’re going to be champing at the bit to play, especially after seeing the weekend’s results too.”

Ruscoe insisted the wobble of Barry Town United means his side have been given a second chance following a poor first half of the season.

“I’ve always said it’s in our hands and we’ve been given a second chance if we carry on this run of form,” said Ruscoe.

Newtown have also been busy with four new signings during the window.

Striker Rio Ahmadi has arrived from Aberystwyth Town while defender Sam Barnes has joined from Bangor City.

Former TNS forward Matty Williams has also arrived from Llandudno with teenager Jake Mann joining from Welshpool Town.

Meanwhile striker Ethan Jones has departed to join Northern Premier League side Hednesford Town.

The Robins make the trip to Oswestry with fitness doubts over goalkeeper Dave Jones and Williams but defender Kieron Mills-Evans returns from suspension.

Manager Chris Hughes said: “Dave came off with concussion so we will see how he is ahead of the TNS game.

“It was tough to lose to Nomads, neither side had many chances but it was disappointing to lose to a goal like that. We switched off for the second ball and were punished.”

Despite the defeat the Robins manager remained positive with debutants Ahmadi and Barnes impressing.

“Rio did really well against a physical Nomads defence and Sam is a real competitor. It was a tough game for a debut but I felt they both played really well.

“We competed with a top side for 90 minutes but we cannot switch off in the top six. We now look forward to TNS on Friday.”