THE New Saints boss Ken McKenna believes his side have shown they can make a real pitch for the Welsh Premier title following their convincing victory at Welshpool.
The league leaders eased to a 3-0 success over the Lilywhites on Boxing Day which puts them in good stead for the New Year’s day return on the artificial surface at Park Hall Stadium.
“Welshpool are a good side, the pitch was difficult but I thought the way we handled the conditions was brilliant,“ said McKenna.
Welshpool, who have struggled to field the same side twice this season, have more defensive problems as they look to shackle the leaders.
Already without John Keegan with a knee problem, they are now also missing Geraint Windsor through suspension while Brett Jefferies is struggling with a knee problem. Injured striker Steve Rogers is also out missing.
Manager Tomi Morgan said: “Overall, they were far superior to us on the day, but having said that poor defending led to all of their goals.”
Newtown manager Darren Ryan is banking on a positive response ahead of today’s derby with Caersws at Latham Park after the disappointing 1-0 loss to their arch rivals last week, stretched their winless run to seven games.
“It was a scrappy game but give Caersws credit, they wanted it more than we did,” he said. “
Caersws boss Mike Barton, by contrast, hailed a “big win” for his troops as they continue to climb their way out of basement danger.
“We were chuffed to bits as we had not won at home this season so it‘s a relief to get that monkey off our back,” he said.
“There was a big crowd and a different air about the ground, and it was a great day for the club.”
