A BUSY and testing festive Welsh Premier League spell is on the horizon for Bala Town.

The Lakesiders must face league leaders Connah's Quay in a crucial double-header, while key clashes with Llanelli and Cardiff Met are also pencilled in.

Add to this a potentially decisive encounter with Caernarfon Town on January 12 and the next few weeks are vital to deciding the standard of Bala's opponents during the second half of the season.

Looking ahead to the busy spell, Bala boss Colin Caton said: "It's good and there's a lot of points at stake.

"We have got massive games coming up over Christmas.

"We have got two games against Connah's Quay and a trip to Cardiff Met.

"The Llanelli, Cardiff Met and Caernarfon ones are must win games."

Lowly Llanelli will welcome Town this Saturday, prior to the festive double-header with Connah's Quay.

Maes Tegid host the fixture on Boxing Day, with the return encounter taking place on New Year's Day.

"Connah's Quay are full time footballers," added Caton.

"We can train only one night a week and they can work on things 100 per cent more than us.

"They are going to be better.

"A snooker player who trains five days a week will be better than a player who plays once a week.

"It will be difficult because they are full time, but it's crucial we try and stay in touch with them."

Connah's Quay lead the standings with 36 points, a point ahead of Barry Town United and five points clear of multiple champions The New Saints.

Bala Town are fifth, eight points adrift of the pace being set by Andy Morrison's side.

With just a two-point advantage over seventh placed Caernarfon Town, points at this stage of the season are vital for the Lakesiders if they are to make the top-six come the mid-season split.

Strikers Steve Tames and Mike Hayes are unavailable for Bala this weekend.