CYMRU PREMIER pundit Malcolm Allen is backing Flint Town United to last the pace in the fight for a place in Europe.

Neil Gibson has lifted The Silkmen to second in the table, six points behind leaders The New Saints - and that’s not bad for a side that finished in the bottom two last time out.

But former Welsh international and now S4C Sgorio commentator Allen thinks that Flint’s arch rivals, Connah’s Quay Nomads, may just pip them to the runners-up place.

“Flint are flying high and are just six points behind now,” said Allen. “Connah’s Quay are on their way back, and they will compete hard for that second place. And I’m going to stick my neck out now and say that they will finish second, with what I’ve seen from in the last few weeks.

“It was a shock to see Aberystwyth beat TNS 1-0 especially when you think the last time TNS won at Aber, they won 10-1!

“This game was obviously very different and it gives hope to the other teams in the Cymru Premier. And I’ve said before, on their day, a lot of teams can take points from TNS.

“There are nine games before the break in the Cymru Premier and there’s going to be a big fight to see who gets into that top six. But for sure, a lot of teams will still believe that they can catch TNS.”

Flint face a big test tonight as they visit a Bala Town side that have slipped to sixth place.

Colin Caton will be demanding a response from The Lakesiders, who drew 3-3 at third-placed Newtown in the last outing.

Bala’s former Welsh international Dave Edwards will be key for them tonight and Flint boss Gibson says the midfielder's arrival at Maes Tegid is a sign of how much Welsh football’s top flight has improved.

“Signing Dave Edwards shows that top players now want to play in this league,” said Gibson. “Bringing in players of that quality is only going to improve your side and Dave has shown that already.”

While Bala have brought in Edwards, Flint’s stellar signing of the summer,Michael Wilde continues to produce the goods.

His late leveller in the surprise 1-1 draw at Cefn Druids last time out took his tally for the season to 11 - one behind the league’s leading marksman, TNS’ Declan McManus, who will look to add to his 12 goals in tonight’s other big game at home to Newtown.