BALA Town manager Colin Caton has called on the support of north Wales football fans as his side prepares for their big Europa League first qualifying round tie against FC Vaduz.

In what will be Bala’s fourth European campaign, the Welsh Cup winners will travel north for the home leg against the Liechtenstein side at Rhyl’s Belle Vue ground tonight (Thursday, ko 7pm).

“It’s going to be a massive test but we will be better prepared than any other previous Europa League tie,” Caton said.

“I’m really happy with the players’ work rate and their focus over the last couple weeks. Now it’s on to Thursday, and hopefully north Wales’ football fans come out to support us.”

Bala know that FC Vaduz, who play in the Swiss League, will pose a tough challenge, but Caton is upbeat after their friendlies against Northern Ireland sides Linfield, losing 2-1, and Crusaders, losing 1-0 on the weekend.

“I was really pleased with both games,” Caton said. “The main focus was to give players game time, after not playing since the Welsh Cup Final.

“All players have played 90 minutes over the course of both games. The results were not important, as the main focus was for them to get game time.

“It’s been fantastic preparation for the intensity needed for the Europa League game on Thursday in Rhyl.”

FC Vaduz now play in the second tier Swiss Challenge League, following relegation from the Super League in 2016–17, but they are a club with a rich history in Europe.

They have never failed to reach the second qualifying round of the Europa League – having progressed to the third qualifying round three times in seven years.

The Lakesiders’ entire squad has come through uninjured from their three-week training period.

“All players are free from injury, just Mike Hayes is struggling with a sprained ankle,” Caton said.

The return leg will see them travel to Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, on Thursday, 6 July.

The winners will go on to face either Odds BK, of Norway, or Ballymena United, of Northern Ireland, in the second qualifying round.

Supporters must buy tickets prior to entry to the ground via Rhyl’s Club’s ticket office on Thursday.

Tickets will be on sale from mid-afternoon and cost £10 for Adults, £5 for Concessions and U16s. Match programmes cost £3 and will be available inside the ground.Click on link below for full preview: