THERE'S some similarities between 2018 and 2015 where Bala Town are concerned.

Three years ago, the Lakesiders battled back from trailing by three goals against Luxembourg club Differdange in the UEFA Europa League.

Bala appeared to be heading through to the second qualifying round in their second season of European competition, but an injury time goal from Differdange cruelly denied Town, who were eventually pipped 4-3 on aggregate.

In the first leg in Luxembourg, goals from Er Rafik, Caron and Sinani had Differdange 3-0 up inside the opening half-an-hour.

Bala looked to be out of the tie, but they were handed some hope when Ian Sheridan pulled a goal back to make sure it finished 3-1.

The second leg was played in Rhyl and the first half was goalless, meaning that Differdange maintained the upper hand.

However, Colin Caton's half-time team talk must have been a terrific one and just four minutes after the restart, Conall Murtagh put Bala ahead on the night.

The Lakesiders now only trailed by one goal and with seven minutes remaining, they became favourites to progress.

Ian Sheridan's strike meant that Bala led on the away goals rule.

However, there was to be heartbreak right at the death and in the fifth minute of injury time, Er Rafik scored the decisive goal to send Differdange through.

Looking to overturn a three-goal deficit once again, tonight will be Bala Town's 10th game in Europe and they are looking for their third victory.

Bala's Europa League results:

2013:

Bala Town 1 Levadia Tallinn 0

Levadia Tallinn 3 Bala Town 1 (aggregate 3-2)

2015:

Differdange 3 Bala Town 1

Bala Town 2 Differdange 1 (aggregate 3-4)

2016:

AIK 2 Bala Town 0

Bala Town 0 AIK 2 (aggregate 0-4)

2017:

Bala Town 1 Vaduz 2

Vaduz 3 Bala Town 0 (aggregate 5-1)

2018:

Tre Fiori 3 Bala Town 0