ANDY MORRISON knows what to expect from The New Saints because his Connah's Quay Nomads make the reigning champions "feel like real footballers".

Saints, who head into tomorrow evening's clash at Park Hall a point clear of Nomads, have been beaten by Cardiff Met, Caernarfon, Barry and Bala this season.

But Nomads boss Morrison believes Saints reserve their best for their nearest rivals, and expects Scott Ruscoe's men to be at the top of their game.

"I've watched them the last couple of games and the team that will turn up against us will be a different team completely in their intensity, aggression and they will be right up for the game, because they will feel like real footballers," said Morrison.

"They will know they are going into a massive game and that's what the rest of us in the league have to do every week. We are alive, we are up for it, the concentration and focus is there all week.

"They do that when they play against us and that's why the results come against Cardiff Met, Caernarfon and in the cup against Cambrian and Clydach last year, and Stenhousemuir - those results come along because it's just been so easy every week.

"This week will be different. They will be at it and I expect a massive performance from them and that will be a lot of thanks to us, because we've made them feel like footballers again this week."

Saints boss Ruscoe didn't exactly endorse Morrison's words, but said: "It's a big one and one that we don't have to worry about with the players, because they know the importance of the game and what it means."

If Nomads can become the third team to win at Park Hall this season after Cardiff Met and Barry then the Flintshire outfit will be two points clear at the top with 10 games remaining.

Morrison expects Saints to go on and make it 10 titles in 11 years, but he's glad to have played a part in making the league 'interesting'.

"I'm not saying anything I haven't already said half-a-dozen times this season, they will go on and win the league. It might be closer than in the past, but they are still way out ahead and better than anyone else in the league," said Morrison, who was asked about the battle at the top, continuing: "It's good, it's healthy for the league and it's what the people of Wales, who follow the league want - some sort of competition.

"I've said it many times, if there is no competition there is no interest. Nobody is interested if it's not tight and someone keeps running away with it every year.

"It's like a heavyweight boxer dropping down to middleweight. If he just comes in and starts beating everybody up then nobody is going to show any interest in that.

"It's really important we keep them honest, keep it tight and keep asking questions, because Barry and Bala with ourselves and TNS are the four strong teams at the moment who are pushing on."

I'm looking forward to it. Earlier on this season we went to Connah's Quay and any spectator with an honest opinion would have known that we should have won that game.

I thought we were very comfortable and it was only when the linesman overruled that decision to stop Greg Draper scoring a penalty and getting the three points.

It wasn't to be and let's hope we make up for that.