WILL home comforts manage to lead Bala Town to European qualification?

The Lakesiders are in the box seat to achieve another runners-up finish in the JD Welsh Premier League, with five matches left to play.

Colin Caton's charges still have to play UEFA Europa League rivals Bangor City and Connah's Quay before the end of the season, but both of these matches will crucially be played at Maes Tegid.

"It's massive," said Caton, looking ahead to the conclusion of the campaign.

"We know the next five games will dictate what we will achieve this season.

"We have got Bangor at home and the Quay at home, with Cefn Druids and Cardiff Met away.

"It's in our own hands, now."

Bala will play host to third-placed Connah's Quay in a big encounter this Friday evening (7.45pm) and a win for the Lakesiders would move them four points clear of their rivals from Deeside.

It promises to be a close affair, though, and there hasn't been more than one goal between the teams in their previous three meetings this season.

Quay won 1-0 at home versus Bala in September and it was 1-1 in the meeting at Maes Tegid in November.

The last clash between the teams at Connah's Quay early last month also ended 1-1.

Bangor and Connah's Quay are both through to the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup and if one of those win it, that will affect the European qualification from the Welsh Premier League.

However, Caton added: "We can't rely on anyone else."

The Bala boss will be hoping that goalkeeper Ashley Morris and skipper Chris Venables came through last night's Wales semi-professional international with England unscathed.

He added: "They deserve the reward of both playing and it's good for them and shows how well they have done for us."

Bala will be at full strength for their key clash at home to Connah's Quay.