BALA TOWN FC will head into the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League tie with Larne on Thursday a goal down.

But, the Lakesiders still remain well within contention of progressing to the next round after just a narrow defeat in the first leg played at TNS’ Park Hall last Thursday.

Colin Caton’s side battled bravely during that encounter only to ultimately come up short against their Northern Irish opponents.

Having finished third in the JD Cymru Premier at the end of the 20/21 season, bala once again qualified for Europe for this new season.

This time around though, they are one of a select number of clubs to be taking part in the qualifying rounds of the very-first UEFA Europa Conference League competition.

They are joined in the early rounds by The New Saints (who drew 1-1 with Glentoran in the first leg) and Newtown (who lost 4-0 to Dundalk).

Last year, Bala created history when they advanced through qualifying round one of the UEFA Europa League for the first time.

Captain Chris Venables was the hero that night, scoring the only goal of the game as his side beat Valletta 1-0 in Malta.

They then played Belgian giants Standard Liege in round two, losing out 2-0 in the end.

Last Thursday, a mistake at the back early on cost Bala what could have been a 0-0 draw. European debutants Larne’s David McDaid latched onto an early defensive lapse before lobbing Bala goalkeeper Alex Ramsay.

Former Wales international David Edwards made his Lakesiders debut, but not even the 35-year-old midfielder’s experience could prevent Bala’s defeat.

The teams meet again on Thursday in the second leg in Northern Ireland (7.30pm) with Bala still in the tie and the away goals rule also having been scrapped by UEFA.

Looking forward to the tie, Bala Town manager Colin Caton said: “They proved last Thursday that they are a very well-drilled side and have a lot of experience in their team as well. They're a team with a big budget who are bringing experienced players in.

“We didn't play as well as we could, we didn't really ge going and didn't show our true colours I don't think. Having said that, we're still in the tie at 1-0 and we're looking forward to going over there and trying to put things right."

Antony Kay faces a late fitness test ahead of the tie due to a calf problem, but other than that, Bala Town FC have no injury concerns.