CRAIG HARRISON has highlighted the importance of The New Saints’ squad game ahead of tonight’s home showdown with Flint Town United.

Lee Fowler’s Silkmen meet the defending champions for the third time this season in the clash at Park Hall and Saints’ boss Harrison is sure to rotate his players once more.

Following on from a 3-0 triumph over Cardiff Met in their latest outing, Harrison told the club’s X site: “We’ve got some lads there that have played seven 90 minutes in a month, you know, and it’s brilliant, it’s great because (of) the success, but from this level of football, this league predominantly, you play a game each week and that’s it.

“So, with games being postponed, through Europe with European games, with still being in both cup competitions, then it is a lot and some lads have played seven-or-eight lots of full 90 minutes.

“So, everyone’s going to need a breather at some point and I think people forget that. Games pre-season wise and we’ve had eight really tough games in European football. So, we’re going to have to rotate.

“We’re going to have to rest and, yes, I think players don’t like that, but sometimes you’ve got to save players from themselves.”

The New Saints have triumphed in both of their previous meetings with Flint this season, with a 5-1 Welsh League Cup victory being followed by a 4-1 success in the league.

Flint are unbeaten in their last two matches and Ben Hughes’ stoppage time goal saw the Silkmen battle back for a 2-2 draw with Bala over the weekend.

While pleased with the first half showing, there were concerns for Fowler.

He told S4C’s Sgorio: “I thought first half we absolutely battered them and they come out after the second half and we were sloppy.

“They were really good and it was the first time I’ve seen my team look bullied, which was disappointing.

“But I can see how they see that with the last minute sort of equaliser.

“But, let’s make no bones about it. I thought first half there was only one team in it that looked like playing football and scoring goals.

“Second half, again basketball match, they had a few chances, slowing the game down.

“Obviously, the added time comes on... and we score in the last minute of added time. So, there’s a bit of irony to it, isn’t there?”

There are solid foundations for Connah’s Quay Nomads ahead of an away clash at Bala Town.

Following a tricky opening to the campaign, Quay are unbeaten in two matches where they have kept two clean sheets too with keeper George Ratcliffe in good form.

Bala and Quay are near permanent fixtures in qualifying for Europe, but with a third of the campaign completed, both clubs currently sit outside of the top-six.

Leaders Penybont will look to maintain their fine run as they head to Cardiff Met this evening, while Haverfordwest visit Briton Ferry Llansawel.

Newtown are at home to Barry and Caernarfon welcome basement side Aberystwyth Town.