Scott Ruscoe insists he is not concerned about his side’s defeat to Newtown in the opening phase two fixture last Friday.

Defeat reduced TNS’ lead at the top of the table to just one point ahead of the trip to Bala Town tonight (Friday).

However the Saints chief insisted his side would recover.

“We were below par and certainly think we weren’t as good as we have been in recent games,” said Ruscoe.

“Some performances we’ve been far better than our opposition, but Newtown came to stop us playing and play on the counter and that’s exactly what they did.

“They defended well all game and they didn’t really work for the goals if I’m honest, but they certainly played their part and did very well.”

Ruscoe accepted even his players could have an off day.

“It happens and our players are human like everyone else’s,” said Ruscoe.

TNS travel to old rivals Bala tonight with Ruscoe confident of bouncing back

“We beat Connah’s Quay and not long ago we beat Barry Town away 4-1 which was one of the best performances of the season so far. You don’t go from doing that, being consistent and keeping clean sheets to then all of a sudden have a problem.”

Ruscoe continued to see the silver lining in last week’s defeat and revealed his preference his players drop points in February rather than April.

“There is still nine games to go and we’re still top, even if it is just by a point,” said Ruscoe. “Us being four points clear allowed us an off day, and it’s better to have it now than further down the line.

TNS hope to avenge an early season defeat at the hands of Bala on Friday.

Ruscoe accepted a repeat performance of last week would not be good enough against a Chris Venables spearheaded Bala side in form.

“It’s one where we need to be at our best again, they’re in decent form again and are having a good season. We’ll need to be upping our game.”