TNS on brink of securing the title

THE New Saints could be crowned Welsh Premier champions for an historic sixth successive season, and the 11th time in all, if they beat Bangor City at Park Hall tonight in a televised clash (5.15pm).

Their hopes rest on Bala Town failing to beat Connah’s Quay at Maes Tegid but, if the Lakesiders do prevail, then Saints will have to wait until Sunday, March 12, to clinch the title, ironically against Colin Caton’s side.

Having toiled to beat 10-man Bangor 2-1 in the Welsh Cup last week, in extra time, Saints boss Craig Harrison is anticipating another torrid test.

“We had to work hard last week to reach the semi-final and I think it will be a similar match this week. Bangor are always difficult opponents, so it could be another battle,” he said.

One of last week’s goalscorers, New Zealand international Greg Draper, added: “We will have to be at our best to win as Bangor are a good team and very dangerous on the counter attack.”

Cardiff Met will leapfrog Carmarthen Town into fifth spot if they defeat the Old Gold at Cyncoed Campus, but the students will have to up their game after losing their last three matches.

The visitors have been in good form despite the recent loss to Bala, and manager Mark Aizlewood is still upbeat.

“I was disappointed to lose against Bala because we more than matched them for 75 minutes, but we will definitely go to Cardiff full of confidence,” he said.

Airbus are in dire straits, 10 points adrift at the bottom on the back of just six points in their last 16 matches, and they desperately need three points at Newtown to boost any hope of survival.

But the Robins are chasing the remaining European playoff spot after a five-match unbeaten run which has seen them pocket 11 points, putting them in the frame for the coveted seventh place.

Goalkeeper Jack Perry, who has broken into the team recently, following a three-year wait, feels the Robins certainly have the talent to challenge for Europe.

“We were in the bottom two a few weeks ago, but we are now looking for our fourth win on the trot. Europe has to be the aim now,” he said.