BALA Town were held to a 1-1 draw by Carmarthen Town, but they remain on track for runners-up spot in the Welsh Premier League, with two games to go.

Carmarthen took the lead with a Liam Thomas penalty just before half-time, but Mike Hayes equalised in the 54th-minute to move the Lakesiders three points clear of rivals Gap Connah’s Quay in third.

Colin Caton is looking for his side to cement second place behind The New Saints for the third season running when they face the Nomads at the Deeside Stadium on Friday, before finishing their league campaign at home to the champions.

With Connah’s Quay losing to the Saints on Friday night, the Lakesiders had an excellent chance to open a five point advantage with a win against the Old Gold.

Bala did not have the best of starts, however, with the visitors making their intentions known early on by packing their 11 players behind the ball from the outset.

The Lakesiders managed to force a series of corners, but the game was scrappy, with not much quality from either side .

Mike Hayes went through one-on-one with keeper Lee Idzi from John Irving’s delivery but failed to test the shotstopper.

The hosts were punished just before the break as keeper Ashely Morris went up for a ball against Liam Griffiths, who headed towards goal, and Stuart Jones hacked off the line, but ref Tom Williams pulled play back and pointed to the spot.

After a lengthy stoppage due to Morris sustaining a bleeding nose, Liam Thomas stepped up and curled the ball into the right hand side of the net, giving Carmarthen a 1-0 lead going into half-time.

Bala started the second half with a more direct style of play and a good ball from David Thompson was cleared eventually into the path of Hayes, but Carmarthen’s defence was able to block his attempt.

Bala upped their tempo and their equaliser came on 55 minutes when a scramble in the six yard box fell to top scorer Hayes, and he poked the ball home to net his 17th goal in all competitions this season.

Striker Lee Hunt tested keeper Idzi when his shot took a deflection for a corner, following Jordan Evans’ neat ball.

Bala then took their foot off the gas and allowed Carmarthen to come back into the game, but they still had their chances.

Irving broke down the wing and allowed Ryan Wade to run at his marker and cross for Nathan Burke, who saw his shot at goal was saved by keeper Idzi.

Evans then picked out Hayes, but his glancing header lacked power from six yards out, and in stoppage time, Bala had a golden opportunity to snatch all three points when Chris Venables blazed over.

BALA TOWN: A Morris, A Stephens, S Jones, S J Jones, J Irving, C Venables, D Thompson, J Evans, M Hayes, K Smith (N Burke 68 minutes), L Hunt (R Wade 68 minutes). Subs not used: R Goldston (gk), R Valentine, W Bell.

CARMARTHEN: L Idzi, L Cummings, L Surman, D Vincent, C Hanford, C Morgan, L Harling, L Griffiths, L Thomas, M Thomas, D Bailey. Subs not used: K Lewis, D Sheehan, D Thomas, N Smothers. Attendance: 148.