TNS travel to Caernarfon Town tonight (Friday) knowing defeat would spell the end of their JD Cymru Premier title defence.

The Saints poor second phase of the season continued with a 2-2 draw at home to Barry Town United last week.

Manager Scott Ruscoe conceded playing catch up to Connahs Quay Nomads was “not natural” but insisted his side could still win the JD Cymru Premier title.

Ruscoe said: “The players know the task at hand now and we are in a position that’s not natural to us and it’s not nice.

“We need to train really hard and make sure we return with a win on Friday at Caernarfon. There’s still time for us to take the top spot.

“In previous seasons, we’ve been in the position where we could’ve had the league wrapped up by now but this season we’ve got to do it the hard way and the staff, players and everyone involved with this football club believe we can still win the league.”

The Saints have failed to win their last four matches with Ruscoe admitting Barry Town’s last gasp leveller was hard to take on Friday night.

However Ruscoe insisted his side had no time to dwell on another disappointing result.

“We’ve got to pick the players up now, there’s no point moping about after the result,” said Ruscoe.

“It’s very difficult, to take, but we’re still in there, and we’ll look to do the best we can between now and the end of the season.”