A DEFINITE spot in the top-six.

That was Bala Town's reward ahead of the start of their 2019 JD Welsh Premier League programme.

Following Newtown's 2-1 win over Aberystwyth Town on Sunday, the Lakesiders have secured a spot in the Championship Conference for the second half of the season.

Hailing the feat, Bala Town boss Colin Caton said this week: "It's great considering the quality in the league, with Barry, Connah's Quay and TNS.

"It's fantastic for the size of the club.

"People take it as a give me to qualify for the top-six, but it's not a give me.

"It's a battle to get into the top-six.

"When you look at the clubs we have to compete against, we have done fantastically well.

"I don't think that people realise what we are up against."

Bala achieved their qualification with three games to spare and they join Connah’s Quay, Barry Town United, The New Saints and Newtown as top-six certainties come the mid-season split later this month.

It's a terrific reward for Bala, who are on a terrific run of form and they have lost just once in their last seven Welsh Premier League encounters, winning four of the games - including the last two.

"We have drawn with TNS at home and then to go to Llanelli and put seven past them," added Caton.

"And the battle versus Connah's Quay was one of the most intense games I have been involved in in the Welsh Premier League."

Goals from Sean Smith and Henry Jones handed Bala a notable 2-1 triumph in the Boxing Day clash at home to Connah's Quay, with the return fixture taking place yesterday (New Year's Day).

Next up for Bala is a trip to Cardiff Met this Saturday.

Steve Tames was out through suspension for the Connah's Quay match, but Caton is hoping the striker is available for this weekend.

Mike Hayes is classed as a 50-50 chance as he looks to recover from an ankle ligaments injury he suffered in the recent Welsh Cup win at Flint Town United.