BALA TOWN boss Colin Caton says his side will ‘look to cause problems’ when they host fellow JD Cymru Premier title-chasers The New Saints (TNS) at Maes Tegid tomorrow night.
The Lakesiders will take on the Saints, who are currently top of the table, at 7.45pm.
TNS have made the perfect start to the 2020/21 JD Cymru Premier season, winning three out of three matches, scoring nine goals and conceding none.
Second-placed Bala have also made a strong start, winning two; against Cefn Druids and Penybont, but did drop points very late on when they drew 1-1 at the home of current champions Connah's Quay on the opening day.
In terms of history against TNS, Bala have enjoyed some big moments - including winning the Welsh Cup for the very first time in a 2-1 win in 2017.
Even last season, Bala beat the record-holding 13 time Welsh top-flight champions 3-1 at home thanks to a double from captain Chris Venables and a goal from Louis Robles, who now plays for the opposite side.
Speaking to the Free Press ahead of the match, Bala manager Colin Caton said: "I watched TNS in their game against Caernarfon on Saturday (they won 4-0) and they looked great. They've raised the bar again and we know it's going to be difficult.
"We're coming up against a full time team, so we know what we're up against. They'll be preparing non-stop for this match but we'll still be looking to cause problems when they come here.
Caton will hoping for scenes like these again tomorrow night. PIC: Gareth Hughes.
"We're all feeling good after our start to the season. We had an outstanding performance at Connah's Quay and probably deserved to win, then we were flat but dominant against Druids to win. We started slow against Penybont on Saturday but again won thanks to it being a game of two halves.
"We just need to find some consistency now and build on it."
Asked about coming up against Robles, who departed Bala for TNS over the summer and should play this evening, Caton said: "Louis is a great lad and we didn't want to lose him, but going to TNS was a massive career move for him and we'd never have stood in his way.
"He's a very good player who will be difficult to handle I'm sure, but I'm confident we can cause him and TNS problems as well."
Captain Chris Venables, who was the JD Cymru Premier top scorer last season, was off the mark for the season on Saturday with a brace in the 5-1 win at Penybont.
Asked about what that could do for his confidence, Caton said: "It'll definitely be a morale boost for Chris, as I know he's someone who beats himself up when he doesn't take chances.
"He had some good ones against Connah's Quay and then obviously missed that penalty against Standard Liege in the Europa League, so yeah it's definitely great for him to be off the mark and I'm sure it will help us further."
New signings have also fit in well at Bala since arriving in the summer. Midfielder Will Evans, who signed from Cardiff Met Uni FC, has been a particular standout.
Will Evans (middle) has slotted in well alongside the likes of Anthony Stephens (left) and Alex Ramsay (right). PIC: Gareth Hughes.
Talking about his impact, Caton said: "Will's a very athletic player who covers so much ground. We've long been an admirer of him here and so we're lucky to have been able to get him in.
"He seems to be enjoying his football and has such an appetite for the game too."
Bala have two injury worries ahead of the TNS match, with Shaun Kelly still unavailable and midfielder Lassana Mendes carrying a groin problem.
The club is also set to announce the arrival of another new player later this week.
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