THE New Saints signalled their title ambitions with a comprehensive 4-0 defeat of reigning champions Rhyl at Park Hall.

The game was virtually over as a contest by half-time, as the Saints opened-up a three-goal cushion with goals from Steve Abbott, Scott Ruscoe and ex-Rhyl winger Craig Jones.
After weathering a bright start by the Lilywhites, TNS took the lead after 10 minutes when keeper James Coates could only parry Ruscoe's 20-yard shot and Jones crossed the loose ball for Abbott to rise highest and head home.
Rhyl almost levelled when Marc Connolly's shot hit the far post after a neat one-two with Lee Hunt, but the home lead was doubled on the half-hour.
Ex-TNS wing-back Martyn Naylor brought down Matthew Berkeley and Ruscoe stepped-up to convert his second penalty of the week.
Aeron Edwards was close to adding another when denied by Coates, but the third goal arrived on 43 minutes when a Steve Evans through ball found Jones, who chipped Coates from the edge of the box.
Four minutes into the second-half, any hopes of a Rhyl revival were dashed when Coates again failed to hold a shot, this time from Ruscoe, and Berkeley gratefully accepted the chance from 12 yards.
The visitors suffered a further blow when Marc Connolly was stretchered-off with a knee injury and Jones was only denied the Saints' fifth goal by the crossbar.
Photo: Scott Ruscoe and Aeron Edwards celebrate with scorer Steve Abbott.