BALA Town toasted a festive double over strugglers Prestatyn as a last-minute penalty from Chris Venables earned them a narrow 1-0 win at Maes Teigid, to secure their place in the top six ahead of the league split.

Four successive victories have lifted the Lakesiders up to fourth position in the table, and they are now just three points beneath second-placed Connah’s Quay.

In contrast to the reverse fixture on Boxing Day, it was scrappy affair against a Prestatyn side that put in an improved performance.

For the home side, Les Davies got away a shot from the edge of the 18 year box, and Ian Sheridan forced a save by keeper Carl Jones.

Mike Hayes also got on the end of a long through ball that almost lobbed the keeper, but he managed to recover to claim the ball.

The visitors had opportunities too - and they had a huge chance to take the lead when Jack Kenny fired into the side netting after a break down the right wing.

Vigorous claims for handball in the Bala penalty area were waved away by referee Kevin Parry, and a strike from Ben Maher had to be blocked by the excellent centre back Stuart Jones.

The visiting fans also thought Prestatyn were to be awarded a penalty after a two footed challenge left Jack Kenny in a heap on the floor, but the referee again waved away their claims.

Nathan Burke blazed over for Bala, before driving a 25 yard free kick around the left upright, whilst Chris Venables’ free header from a corner flew narrowly over.

A Les Davies header was then brilliantly palmed away by keeper Jones as the first half finished goalless.

Prestatyn could have taken the lead two minutes into the second half when Kenny broke through to supply a pass to Ben Maher, which was brilliantly blocked by Will Bell, just as he thought he had a tap in.

Then, at the other end, a delivery from Jordan Evans found Ian Sheridan at the back post, but he placed wide, before Les Davies saw his header pushed away and the resulting chance was cleared by the visitors.

A rasping drive from Zyaac Edwards was collected comfortably by keeper Ashley Morris, but in the final minute Myles Hart brought down Mike Hayes in the box, for the ref to immediately point to the spot.

Up stepped Venables, who rocketed the ball into the back of the net to seal all three points for the hosts.

Overall, it completed a great end to the year for the Lakesiders, with only one loss in the last 11 games.

BALA TOWN: A Morris, S Jones, L Owens, W Bell, C Venables, N Burke, J Evans, M Hayes, I Sheridan (H Tanner 59), G Rule (E Horwood 64’), L Davies. Not Used: C Vernon (gk), R Valentine, S Fisher.

PRESTATYN: C Jones, T Kemp, D Hayes, R Weaver, Z Edwards, M Parker, M Hart, N Edwards, Z Edwards, J Kenny, B Maher. Subs not used: R Roberts (gk), P O’Neill, D Ketley, J Higgins, A White, E Lloyd, M Dilworth. Attendance: 229. Ref: K Parry.