BALA Town were narrowly edged out 1-0 at Park Hall on Friday night as The New Saints notched a third consecutive win in the JD Cymru Premier, thanks to a second half winning goal by Greg Draper.

The Saints striker netted his 10th goal of the season to bring him level in the golden boot race with the Lakesiders’ Chris Venables after Bala had missed the best opportunity to open the scoring when Louis Robles saw his first penalty saved.

Scott Ruscoe’s men capitalised and took the lead via experienced frontman Draper, and then held on to secure all three points and keep pace in the title charge.

At a rain-swept Park Hall, Draper and Daniel Redmond had early opportunities for the home side, before Blaine Hudson rose well to head wide of the upright.

Ashley Morris saved a close range effort from Draper, and Dean Ebbe’s opportunity was blocked, before the Bala shot-stopper also made a fantastic block to keep out Blaine Hudson’s chance.

Bala, without suspended top scorer Venables, attacked on the break and against the run of play they were awarded a spot kick on 25 minutes for a foul in the box, but Robles’ spot kick was well-saved.

Morris blocked Redmond’s chance, before Andrew Burns put his body on the line to put the follow-up out for a corner.

Bala came more into things towards the end of the first half, and Henry Jones’ superb ball into the penalty area was cleared, and it was goalless at the break.

Within five minutes of the restart, a great run from Ryan Brobbel saw his shot blocked and then Dean Ebbe, with just the keeper to beat, was denied, as once again Morris kept his nerve to save well.

Looking to grab his 143rd all-time league goal for The New Saints, it was Draper’s turn to go close next, as his header was saved comfortably by Morris.

On 56 minutes, however, the deadlock was broken. A ball played in by Brobbel was met by the head of Draper, as he nodded beyond Morris and into the net.

A positive response from the Lakesiders saw Steve Leslie denied as keeper Paul Harrison collected, before Robles drove into the area, and he seemed to be fouled, only to see his claims waved away.

Lassana Mendes in the heart of the midfield set up Smith and Robles, but Bala just couldn’t make the breakthrough.

Kieran Smith’s strike went wide, before Henry Jones’ low shot from 30 yards out was also pulled wide of the far upright as the Lakesiders stepped up the pressure.

Jon Routledge went the closest for the home side, with a power-drive from outside the box going just wide, but a minute from time Kieran Smith had the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for offside, and the Saints held on to all three points.

THE NEW SAINTS: P Harrison, C Marriott, K Davies, J Routledge, D Ebbe (Kurtis Byrne 86 minutes), R Brobbel, G Draper (A Cieslewicz 83’), D Redmond, B Hudson, J Nembhard (J Mullan 58’), R Harrington. Subs not used: L Dutton (gk), A dwards, B Whitehouse.

BALA TOWN: A Morris, A Burns (L Molyneux 69’), S Smith, A Stephens, N Burke, H Jones, K Smith, S Leslie (E Horwood 79’), L Robles, S Kelly (J Spittle 90’), L Mendes. Subs not used: S Jones, T Stephens, S Sullivan.

Attendance: 311. Referee: Nick Pratt.