BALA Town have revealed their first two signings of the January transfer window - with John Disney and Lewis Short both joining from Northern Premier League leaders Altrincham.

Both were close-season signings for Alty from Connah’s Quay, but Disney sustained an ankle injury which restricted his appearances, while Short made 13 starts and three substitute appearances.

Bala Town manager Colin Caton said he delighted to have both players on board for the second half of their Welsh Premier League campaign.“I’ve been an admirer of John for a long time," said Caton. "He was outstanding for Connah’s Quay last season and can play in a number of positions – midfield and across the back four.“It’s also great to sign Lewis. Once we had signed John, Lewis made contact with us to see if we would be interested as he is good mates with John and we couldn’t turn that opportunity down.

"Lewis has been an outstanding performer over the seasons in the Welsh Premier with Connah’s Quay and Airbus, and he will add pace to the squad as he can play as a defender or as a forward wide man.

“Both players will add to our squad and it’s much needed strength and depth to a small squad that’s been tested massively in the first 20 games.

"Anthony Stephens is out for the season, and David Thompson, Stuart J. Jones and Andrai Jones are all long term injuries. so we welcome John and Lewis to our squad as top players and good lads that will add to our excellent team spirit.”

Cornish-born Disney represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-17 level while with Stockport County and then joined Northwich Victoria in the summer of 2010, but twice suffered a broken leg and, after helping the Vics to promotion, joined Hednesford Town.

Again part of a promotion-winning side, he attracted the interest of Chester but, after a loan spell with Nantwich Town, moved to AFC Telford United.

He returned to Hednesford at the start of the 2015/16 season, joining the Nomads in January 2016 and making 29 (+3) WPL appearances, scoring three goals.

Short is a former professional with Crewe Alexandra who joined the Gresty Road outfit in August 2010 after impressing during a three month trial from Congleton Town.

He joined Nantwich Town on a month-long loan in November 2010 before leaving Crewe to join Northwich Victoria.

Short then signed for Nantwich Town in the summer of 2012, leaving for Airbus UK Broughton in January 2013. He returned to Nantwich in May 2015 but returned to the Welsh Premier with Nomads in May 2016 to complete a total of 69 (+8) WPL appearances, scoring three goals.

Short will wear the 22 shirt, with Disney wearing the 20 shirt for the Lakesiders.