JOHN DISNEY insists that Connah’s Quay Nomads have the character to ensure a first defeat of the domestic campaign is merely a blot on their copybook.

The Nomads saw their 16-game unbeaten league run come to an abrupt end seven days ago as top-six hopefuls Cefn Druids pocketed a 2-0 home victory.

Defeat saw Andy Morrison’s men fall four points behind leaders The New Saints ahead of tonight’s home encounter with Bala, who climbed above Nomads and into second place on Tuesday after beating Penybont 4-0.

But Disney knows the current Nomads squad is packed full of character and expects a response as the Lakesiders visit the Deeside Stadium.

“Frustrating was the best way to describe the game against Druids,” said Disney, who came off the bench to play the final half an hour.

“But we will knuckle down and look to put things right straight away against Bala.

“We’ve probably drawn more games than we would have liked this season, but to get to the middle of December unbeaten is testament to the squad we’ve got.

“We didn’t have much of a break during the summer and we are a smaller squad than last season, so to remain switched on mentally as well as physically shows the type of players we have.

“It’s a little setback, but we are used to those this season. We’ve fallen behind in games a few times and managed to come back to either win or draw.

“That is all about the togetherness in the squad, which is moving towards the same aim.”

Nomads will need certainly need to be mentally switched on this evening as Colin Caton’s Lakesiders head to Flintshire for a battle between second and third in the top-tier.

“They are always close games,” said Disney, who has played for both clubs. “I’ve been on both sides of the fence and the majority of matches are settled by the odd goal or two.

“They are usually very tight affairs and it’s probably going to be another one this time around, so we need to make sure we concentrate for the whole 90 minutes and carry out the game plan in order to be on the right side of the result.”

Nomads have won both matches against Bala this term, beating Caton’s men 1-0 at Maes Tegid in the league, before securing a League Cup final spot with a 2-0 home success last month.

But Disney knows Bala possess plenty of quality for Nomads to take a third win for granted.

“They’ve got a good squad,” said Disney. “They are strong and physical with key men, who we know plenty about.

“It should be a good game.”

While Disney is hoping to earn his first start since the 1-1 draw against The New Saints on November 1, Nomads welcome back striker Michael Wilde from suspension.

Skipper George Horan remains banned with Disney adding: “Anyone would miss their captain and main striker, who has been one of the best in the league for a number of years.”

Former Nomads striker, Mike Hayes, who scored the opener against Penybont on Tuesday, is expecting a battle in Flintshire.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Hayes. “They are well-organised and we know what to expect.

“It will be a tough one for us, but we are going into it confident after a good win and we will get the lads together and go again.”