Revenge is on the agenda for TNS

THE New Saints will have revenge in their minds as they prepare to welcome Newtown back to Park Hall tomorrow for their JD Welsh Cup quarter-final showdown.

Holders TNS should need no added motivation having been stunned by the Robins 2-1 in their own backyard in the JD Cymru Premier earlier this month.

It was a damaging loss for the champions and one point from two games since has put their hopes of a ninth straight title in serious jeopardy.

Last Friday night’s 1-0 defeat by Connah’s Nomads has seen TNS slip four points behind the latter.

But league matters take a break this weekend and Scott Ruscoe’s side will be looking to bounce back as they resume their bid to lift the cup for the eighth time.

Saints have also been in six of the last eight finals, winning five of them.

“That defeat against Newtown is one that has probably taken a while to get over,” said Ruscoe.

“I thought they were very good, looked sharp, they broke on us and countered very well, but our play wasn’t good on the night.

“We didn’t hold the ball well enough we didn’t hurt them enough. If I was manager of them, I’d be setting up exactly the same way so we’ll have a look at how we are going to combat that – but our lads shouldn’t need any extra incentive.”

Connah’s Quay, meanwhile, are currently riding the crest of a wave.

Now in charge of the title race and with the Nathaniel MG Cup already safely in the Deeside trophy cabinet, they host Cardiff Met tomorrow as they bid to reach a third successive final.

Andy Morrison’s Nomads are looking to regain the Welsh Cup they lifted for the first time in their history in 2018, before surrendering it to TNS last season.

Before that though there are two quarter-final ties this evening.

The S4C cameras will be at the Essity Stadium where Flint Town United will be looking to beat 2013 winners Prestatyn Town and reach the semi-finals for the first time since they won the cup 66 years ago.

It is also a clash between the top two in JD Cymru North. Prestatyn have won both league meetings this season. Last Saturday, a 1-0 home win for the Seasiders over Flint saw them go 16 points clear and also put one hand on the league trophy.

And at the Oval, Caernarfon Town’s new manager Huw Griffiths will go up against his former club Cefn Druids.

The Druids have won the cup eight times and last reached final in 2012.