TNS manager Scott Ruscoe has defended his players ahead of this weekend’s trip to Carmarthen Town.

The Saints needed a last gasp leveller at Cardiff Metropolitan to save a point on Monday as their sluggish start to their title defence continued.

However Ruscoe insisted the point in the capital was one gained rather than two dropped.

“We were the better side,” said Ruscoe. “We had more chances, more possession, but I think Cardiff Met did very well.

“They’re a tough side, I don’t think anyone’s been there in about 14 games and come away with a win. They defended doggedly and were organised.”

Ruscoe sang his own player’s praises for salvaging a point.

“We kept going and that shows the determination of the players,” said Ruscoe. “They don’t give up, they always go right until the end which was a positive aspect for me.”

TNS make the trip to Carmarthen on Saturday with Ruscoe happy with his side’s opening to the season.

“We haven’t got the divine right to beat anyone in this league, there will come times in the season where we might get the odd draw or defeat for whatever reason,” said Ruscoe.

“We go into every game planning to win. We’re the best team in the league and we have the best squad in the league along with the best record in this competition so we should win the majority of our games but we’re not here to be that much better than everyone else and win every single game.”

Meanwhile TNS travel to old rivals Bangor City in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup on Tuesday night.

The delayed tie follows City’s successful appeal against a mass points deduction this season.