DEFENDER Stuart J Jones says that Bala Town will be looking to hit the ground running when they return to Welsh Premier League action at home to Cardiff Met on Saturday (ko 5.30pm).

The former Aberystwyth Town skipper made his long-awaited return from injury after two months out in a remarkable 7-5 friendly win against Rhyl on Friday.

Yet Colin Caton’s men are eager to get back to league action after over two weeks of inactivity since their 1-0 win over Cefn Druids - and none more so than Jones.

“It’s been incredibly frustrating over the past eight weeks or so, having to watch from the sidelines, particularly with an injury that I’ve not suffered before,” said the 33 year-old.

“I was really pleased to get a run out against Rhyl on Friday night, and although I felt a little sore towards the end, I’m just going to put that down to tiredness, and hopefully I can kick on now and play a part in the remainder of the season.”

Jones, who spent seven seasons at Llanelli, and is a product of the Swansea City youth development system, capped his return to the side with a goal on Friday.

Les Davies led the way with a hat-trick, and Jordan Evans, Kerian Smith and an own goal completed a remarkable 7-5 win for Bala.

“I’m sure it was great to watch as a spectator, and one of the strangest games I have played in,” said Jones.

“It was really about giving the boys, including myself, some game time, having not played much recently.

“Sixteen year-old Josh Jones was also involved from the Under 19s squad, and he has come in and done very well and I’m sure he will continue to improve.

“As a Club it would be great if we could continue to develop first team players through our Academy set-up, and hopefully Josh’s involvement will give motivation to other players.”

Jones said that Bala’s goals now will be to push on for runners-up position in the Welsh Premier League, and to qualify again for Europe.

“We have a tough week coming up, with Cardiff Met on Saturday and then we are away at The New Saints on Tuesday,” he said.

“We go into these next two games knowing that they are going to be tough, but the same can be said of every game we play from now.

“Every point will be crucial at this stage of the season, and it’s shaping up to be a close race for that second spot that we all want.”

Jones added: “It’s good that, with the addition of a few players in January, and with boys returning from their injuries, we have real competition for places within the squad - which can only be a good thing in improving the performances.

“That strength in depth should prove vital to us, come the end of the season.”

Saturday’s game against Cardiff Met has been designated as an Alzheimers Awareness Day, because of the fact that the match sponsor and former Bala Town player, Rich Edwards, now suffers from the illness.

The Lakesiders’ squad will be involved in fundraising and Jones called on as many supporters as possible to attend this Saturday’s match to show their support.

“As a Club it’s great to be able to do our bit to raise awareness of such a tragic disease, particularly with it having impacted on a few people closely associated with the Club,” he added.

“I would strongly encourage supporters to come and show their support for a such a worthy cause.”