BALA Town got their Welsh Premier campaign back on track after two successive defeats with a crucial 3-1 win over Connah’s Quay at Maes Tegid, moving them three points ahead of MBi Llandudno in the race for second place.

Goals by Stuart Jones midway through the first half, and Mark Jones on the hour, put the Lakesiders in the driving seat - and although Callum Morris replied from the spot, Lee Hunt had the final say with Bala’s third goal after 79 minutes.

A determined Bala had made a promising start, with Mark Connolly threatening John Danby’s goal with a powerful strike in the early stages.

The hosts made the breakthrough on 21 minutes when a superb cross from John Irving found Stuart Jones, and he headed the ball low into the back of the net.

The Nomads increased their tempo up front, led by Ashley Ruane, who passed the ball onto an oncoming Callum Morris, but he was blocked by the defence.

After an even opening to the second half, both sides made a few bursting attacks and Bala’s Nathan Burke was denied by a sweeping save from Danby, before Wes Baynes sent a great free kick into the area, only for the defence to clear.

On the hour mark, however, Bala crucially increased their lead when an assist from Lee Hunt cut across the floor of the Nomads’ area, where Mark Jones sent the ball past both Paul Linwood and Danby.

With a two goal advantage, Bala began to control the game, with all of the Nomads’ attacks being muted by a defence which didn’t put a foot wrong - up until a penalty was awarded for handball in the box by Ryan Valentine on 78 minutes.

Callum Morris stepped up and powered the ball home, to instil some hope into his side, who had 12 minutes of normal time to get something from the game.

Their hope soon faded however when, just two minutes later, Mark Connolly headed the ball onward for Lee Hunt to run through on goal and confidently slot the ball past Danby to seal a vital win.

BALA TOWN: A Morris, R Valentine, A Stephens, S Jones, J Irving, C Murtagh, M Connolly, N Burke (C Platt 90 minutes), I Sheridan (M Hayes 88), K Smith (M Jones 38), L Hunt. Subs not used: C Vernon (gk), W Bell.

CONNAH’S QUAY: J Danby, P Linwood, J Crowther (N Rushton 46), G Horan, D Harrison, S Miller, C Morris, A Ruane, L Davies, S Smith, W Baynes (C Rimmer 62) . Subs not used: J Disney, J Rushton, T Bibby. Att: 211.