THE New Saints boss Scott Ruscoe says that his side is relishing taking on Cardiff Metropolitan University in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final at Aberystwyth’s Park Avenue on Saturday (ko 5.15pm).

The 40 year-old is just one game away from winning his first trophy as manager of the Welsh Premier League leaders, and current holders of the League Cup.

"There’s always a good atmosphere down at Park Avenue in Aberystwyth, it is a ground that holds fond memories for me," said the Saints manager.

"A few years ago we went down there and I scored the winner in the final against Llanelli, with a volley from outside the box in the last minute of extra time.

"With their 3G pitch, it does make for a better game, too, and I’m really looking forward to it. It is going to be a great spectacle to watch, because it is two teams who try to play the right way.

"It will also be a one-off game, so form goes out of the window, and we won’t be taking anything for granted.

"I want it as much as the players do, and we’re hoping for a victory which can drive us on through the rest of the season."

The Saints are looking to win the trophy for the 10th time - and a fourth successive season - and Ruscoe said this competition is still very important to the club.

He added: "We’ve really taken this Cup seriously over the last few years, and you can see that from the teams we’ve put out through the rounds.

"We’ve also been able to offer invaluable experiences to our youngsters, too, who have acquitted themselves very well in this competition this season."

Ruscoe, however, warned that the Saints will not be taking their opposition lightly.

The games between these two sides have been very close in the league, with the students earning a goalless draw at Cyncoed, before narrowly losing 2-1 at Park Hall.

"You look at Cardiff Met and I think they’ve been a breath of fresh air for the Welsh Premier League, and they’ve certainly raised the bar," said Ruscoe.

"They are right in there, and they’ve been a fantastic addition to the league during their time at this level."They’ve been such a positive for the league, and they’ve got some very, very good players.

"They’ve got a good squad and keep bringing these top players through, despite their injuries.

"But my favourite thing about them is their team mentality – they have a professional attitude, and it is going to be a very tough game for us in the final.

"They try to play, and they do everything the right way. They play a formation very similar to us, they play from the back, with good full-backs who get on.

"They don’t just hit it long and hope for the best. They’re very good at set plays, they’re well drilled, they know what they want to do and they play for each other."Ruscoe added: "This is my first final as a manger of a football club.

"Obviously I’ve won it as a player and as an assistant in previous years, but to win it for the first time as a manager would be very special.

"I’m massively looking forward to the game to see how our team performs.

"Craig Harrison dominated the competition as a manager, and it is expected that we continue to win the league and the cups.

"We’ve never wanted to stand still, we’re in a position to continue improving, and we’re continuing to push the club in the right direction."Kick-off at Park Avenue on Saturday evening is at 5.15pm, and the game will be broadcast live on S4C from 5pm