Connah’s Quay returned to the top of the JD Welsh Premier League, taking full advantage of Barry Town’s slip-up on New Year’s Eve, with what Andy Morrison felt was a deserved win for his side against Bala Town.

The Nomads avenged their Boxing Day defeat to Bala with the Lakesiders, running out 4-1 winners at the Deeside Stadium that takes a point clear at the top of the table.

“I felt if we stayed in the game, I thought if we were patient, I thought we’d have too much for them today and I think that showed in the end,” said Morrison.

Michael Wilde poached the opening goal, reacting quickest to Callum Morris’ rebounded effort for Connah’s Quay, before they surrendered that lead on the half hour with Bala’s Henry Jones restored parity against the run of the play.

“I don’t think 4-1 flatters us in any way – the goal they’ve got really took the wind out of my sails because I was so frustrated.

“They’ve not had a shot, we’re completely dominating the game and we’re so in control and then we give them a leg up.”

The Nomads took just seven minutes to resume control of the game as a corner resulted in Jay Owen’s drawing a save from goalkeeper Ashley Morris and Michael Parker was just yards out to convert the loose ball.

Andy Owens gave Connah’s Quay a two-goal cushion on 59 minutes, firing into the empty net after Callum Morris fizzed past two defenders to tee up the Nomad’s striker for a simple finish.

And the Nomads were at it again three minutes later, adding a fourth, as Michael Bakare cut inside to unleash a powerful finish high into the net.

“I keep asking for better quality, asking for more from the players to show me what good footballers they are – take the easy option when it’s the right option, but show me a bit of quality when you get in that final third, a little bit of disguise, a little bit of guile, seeing a picture a bit earlier and Callum [Morris] did, he’s nicked the ball, it’s a terrific ball and Andy [Owens]’s just had to finish it off and then a great finish from Baks [Michael Bakare],” said Morrison.

Bala Town squandered the chance to add to their lead at the top of the table on New Year’s Eve after being handed a 3-0 defeat by Cardiff Met.

Charlie Corsby put the Archers in front minutes before half-time and Gavin Chesterfield’s side slumped after the restart with Adam Roscrow and Elliot Evans rounding off a miserable afternoon for the title challengers, and one that leaves the Met plotting an unlikely late assault on the remaining top-six place.

Now in second, Barry Town sit a point above defending champions The New Saints turned in another convincing performance against Cefn Druids.

Having thumped the Ancients 7-0 on Boxing Day, the Saints’ latest three points looked secure from the moment the ball left Ryan Brobbel’s boot, as the winger’s clinical finish gave Scott Ruscoe’s side a 15th minute lead. That lead was doubled by Aeron Edwards five minutes later, who hit a second midway through the second half to hand The New Saints a third straight win.

Caernarfon Town’s hopes of securing a top-six position were stalled after they were again held by bottom side Llandudno.

It took until the 69th minute for the deadlock to be broken as Sion Bradley put the visiting Cofis in front. Mark Connolly replied from the penalty spot just two minutes later to give Llandudno a vital point in their battle against relegation.

Llandudno remain a point off 11th-placed Llanelli Town, who were beaten 2-0 in the televised game against Carmarthen Town.

The Old Gold pull nine points clear of the drop zone after a brace from Luke Bowen.

1	Connah’s Quay Nomads	20	13	3	4	51	19	32	42
2	Barry Town United FC	20	13	2	5	33	28	5	41
3	The New Saints	20	12	4	4	54	12	42	40
4	Newtown	20	10	5	5	37	24	13	35
5	Bala Town	20	10	4	6	42	32	10	34
6	Caernarfon Town	20	7	7	6	26	24	2	28
7	Aberystwyth Town	20	8	3	9	24	35	-11	27
8	Cardiff Metropolitan University	20	7	3	10	29	31	-2	24
9	Carmarthen Town AFC	20	5	6	9	26	37	-11	21
10	Cefn Druids	20	5	5	10	23	34	-11	20
11	Llanelli Town AFC	20	3	3	14	19	64	-45	12
12	Llandudno FC	20	2	5	13	16	40	-24	11