BALA Town made history as skipper Chris Venables’ first half strike fired them into the second qualifying round of the Europa League, with a battling 1-0 win over Valletta in Malta on Thursday evening.

Colin Caton’s men dug deep to preserve their lead in the second half with a performance that was full of heart and desire, to secure their first away win in European competition in six attempts.

A second half penalty save by debutant keeper Alex Ramsay proved crucial on a warm night at the Centenary Stadium in Ta’Qali, and Bala will keenly await their opponents in Monday’s draw.

Despite a lengthy lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Caton had promised that his new-look side would be fit and focused, after friendlies against Crewe, Shrewsbury Town and The New Saints.

New signings Ramsay, Raul Correia, Will Evans and Antony Kay were all handed starts for the Lakesiders as they went into the match as underdogs against the 25-times Maltese champions.

Valletta coach Jesmond Zerafa meanwhile warned that he would be naming his strongest side, with new Serbian defender Mihailo Jovanovic being handed his competitive debut for the hosts.

A confident start from Valletta required defender Jonny Spittle to make an early headed clearance, and then Matteo Piciollo weaved his way past his marker and curled his effort over the bar.

The Lakesiders did indeed keep their focus, and when their new number nine Correia was given too much space on the edge of the penalty area, his low drive flashed wide of the Valletta goal.

It was the hosts who slowly started to take a grip of the game however, as Caton’s men sat back, and Argentine winger Miguel Angel struck a decent low cross, with which Shaun Dimech failed to connect.

Four minutes later, Dimech was again picked out on the edge of the area Angel, but his shot was well blocked by Anthony Stephens as a resolute Bala rearguard worked to frustrate the hosts.

For the visitors, Steve Leslie saw his free kick sail off-target after a foul on Will Evans, and then Correia glanced a cross from the former Cardiff Met man wide - before the breakthrough arrived on 38 minutes.

Skipper Venables, the four-time Cymru Premier Golden Boot, was the quickest to react to a testing cross in by Steven Leslie from the left, and he crashed the ball home past keeper Henry Bonello.

Valletta almost responded two minutes later when Jonathan Caruana headed just wide of Ramsay’s goal from an Alba corner, but the Lakesiders held firm to take a crucial lead into the half-time interval.

Home coach Zerafa effected his first change at the break when he withdrew Alba to bring on Kyrian Nwoko, in an effort to add more firepower, but it was Bala Town who came out stronger.

Former Barnsley, Huddersfield and MK Dons man Antony Kay dispossessed Mihailo Jovanovic and stormed into the area to send in a low cross, but Rowen Muscat was on hand to clear.

Evans also went down in the box, but no penalty was given and Valletta once again stepped up, with Brazilian striker Nicolas Taylon entering the fray and making an instant impact on the hour.

Taylon collected Fontanella’s pass, but he was pushed to the ground by Kay and the referee pointed to the spot - but Fontanella saw his shot brilliantly pushed away by the diving Ramsay to maintain Bala’s lead.

Taisei Marukawa replaced Shaun Dimech as the Citizens played their final card to add more speed to their attack, but their frustration was growing as the resolute visitors defended every ball.

Kieran Smith stepped off the Bala substitutes’ bench for Leslie, and he soon broke into the penalty box and saw his effort blocked, whilst Henry Jones then also came on for the injured Correia.

It was Valletta who pushed on, however, with Stephens making some timely interceptions, whilst former Caernarfon keeper Ramsay provided a safe pair of hands from some dangerous balls in.

Five minutes from time, Marukawa stormed through the Bala defence, but elected to keep the ball instead of passing the unmarked Kyrian Nwoko, whilst Taylon also saw an effort blocked.

Bala breathed in as five minutes of added time were indicated, and on 91 minutes Marukawa again used his speed to get inside the area and hit a low cross-shot that just eluded the diving Taylon.

The visitors fought on to the end to clear their lines, before referee Luca Barbeno finally blew the final whistle, sparking scenes of relief and jubilation from the Bala players and management.

After defeats to Levadia Tallinn in Estonia; Differdange in Luxembourg; AIK in Sweden;Vaduz in Switzerland and Tre Fiori in San Marino, this impressive victory was all the more satisfying.

VALLETTA: Henry Bonello, Jonathan Caruana, Santiago Malano, Matteo Picciolo (59’ Nicolas Taylon), Shaun Dimech (68’ Taisei Marukawa), Jean Borg, Enmy Pena Beltre, Rowen Muscat, Miguel Angel Alba (46’ Kyrian Nwoko), Mihailo Jovanovic, Mario Fontanella.

BALA TOWN: Alex Ramsay, Sean Smith, Tony Stephens, Jonathan Spittle, William Evans, Raul Correia (79’ Henry Jones), Steven Leslie (69’ Kieran Smith), Antony Kay, Lassana Mendes, Chris Venables, Oliver Shannon. Referee: Luca Barbeno (SMR).