A TESTING festive spell is awaiting the Lakesiders.

Bala Town are aiming high as the busiest spell of the year gets underway.

Without a fixture over the weekend, the Lakesiders returned to JD Cymru Premier action last night (Tuesday) with their clash against Penybont.

Next up for Bala is a testing trip to Connah's Quay on Friday.

"We had a good training session on Saturday," said Bala Town manager Colin Caton.

And what does the Bala boss want for Christmas?

"Trying to qualify for the top-six!" he said.

"I would take four points from the next two games."

Third-placed Bala are not too far away from securing qualification for the top-six come the mid-season split.

Ahead of the Penybont clash, they stood on 32 points, which was eight clear of seventh-placed Newtown.

Bala's festive spell sees a 10-day run where they will tackle Connah's Quay, followed by a pair of games versus Gwynedd rivals Caernarfon Town.

"It's a really tough spell, but it's a tough spell for them as well," said Caton.

"If we win tonight we go second in the league, which is a massive achievement."

Looking ahead to the two matches against Caernarfon, Caton said he would be pleased with a four-point haul from those encounters.

"We are full strength and everyone's available," he added, looking forward to the coming weekend.

There has been some additional good news for the Lakesiders.

Sgorio have announced that Chris Venables won the November goal of the month accolade.

Bala captain Venables found the back of the net with a stunning strike from the edge of the box versus Aberystwyth Town.