COLIN Caton was delighted that Bala Town had kept the title race alive by overcoming Airbus UK 3-1 at Maes Tegid.

Victory means the Lakesiders trail leaders The New Saints by just five points, with three games remaining, after the defending champions suffered a surprise 2-1 loss to Newtown - their first home defeat in the league since November 2012.

While maintaining their interest in the title, the victory over the Wingmakers also boosted Bala’s hopes of claiming runners-up spot and automatic qualification into Europe.

"It’s fantastic for the league," said director of football Caton. "It was a massive win for us, I felt that we deserved it, and it’s also nice to stall the TNS’ party

"We can now go there in our next league game with everything to play for. We’ve drawn with them three times this season, and it would be a great time to get our first win against them and be party poopers."

Second place is now firmly in Bala’s hands after Llandudno’s home defeat to gap Connah’s Quay left them five points behind in third spot.

The Lakesiders, without the injured Mark Jones (knee) and Kieran Smith (hamstring), had made a bright start against an Airbus UK Broughton side that themselves rested some key players ahead of their Welsh Cup semi-final with Port Talbot.

Lee Hunt forced keeper James Coates into a couple of saves as he chased his 200th Welsh Premier goal, before the hosts took a 13th minute lead when Mark Connolly turned the ball home at the far post from Ryan Valentine’s free kick.

But Airbus were soon level when Jay Owen’s long range shot rattled the post and Liam Blake netted the rebound on his full first team debut.

On a bumpy surface, Bala regained the advantage before half time when Stuart Jones fired home from close range in a goalmouth scramble for his third goal in as many games.

And they sealed victory on 70 minutes when the advancing Coates missed the ball under pressure from Hunt, allowing Ian Sheridan to tap into a empty net against his former club.

Despite the loss, Airbus boss Andy Preece felt his side acquitted themselves well on a tricky pitch.

"We tried our best in tough conditions against a side who have one of the best home records in the league," he said.

"We made a few changes, we had half an eye on the Welsh Cup semi-final as we didn’t want to pick up any more injuries, while we also wanted to be more direct.

"Overall we did quite well, but in the end some poor defending cost us."

Bala, who have no action this weekend due to the Welsh Cup semi-finals, return to action with a top of the table showdown against TNS at Park Hall on Saturday, 9 April.

They then face third-placed Mbi Llandudno at home on Friday, 15 April, before completing their campaign at Gap Connah’s Quay on 23 April.