MANAGER Colin Caton is urging his Bala Town team to maintain their fine JD Cymru Premier form.

Since a narrow loss at defending champions The New Saints in late October, the Lakesiders have taken a maximum six points, scoring a bumper nine goals in the process.

"We are doing well at the moment and confidence is high," said Caton this week.

"We have always had good squads over the years and it's just so hard to compete with the top ones.

"The league is so tight at the minute.

"TNS have lost four times this season and it's made it quite interesting.

"It's a tough league, but we are doing well."

Fourth-placed Bala are well positioned to achieve a top-six finish come the mid-season split and they are eight points ahead of Newtown, who are seventh.

Next up for Bala is a home meeting with Airbus UK Broughton, who occupy a spot in the bottom-three.

"We went there for the first game of the season and we narrowly won 1-0," added Caton.

"They made it so difficult for us in the first half and a lot has happened since then.

"It's going to be another difficult task and meeting up with another ex-colleague in Steve O'Shaughnessy."

Mike Hayes should be available for Bala, while the Lakesiders will keep an eye on Shaun Kelly, who missed last weekend's win over Aberystwyth with a back spasm.

The draw for the third round of the JD Welsh Cup was made on Monday and Bala have been handed a testing trip to JD Cymru North Flint Town United.

Looking at the tie, Caton said: "It's tough and we had them in the League Cup and the Welsh Cup last season.

"They have recruited this year to push for the league, but it's going to be difficult for them with Prestatyn going so well.

"If we go there thinking it will be an easy ride, we will get beaten.

"We have got to be at the races."

A tasty tie awaits Ruthin Town, who will be aiming to spring a shock at top flight Aberystwyth Town.

"A couple of the Ruthin lads phoned me yesterday asking about Aberystwyth," said Caton.

"It will be really difficult.

Caton says Ruthin's chances will be improved if Aberystwyth are without TNS loanees Adam Hughes and Connor Roberts.

"Ruthin have done well in cups over the last few years and they have got to be switched on."