ANDY MORRISON was full of pride after Connah's Quay Nomads regained top spot with a 4-1 home win over Bala Town.

And that's because Nomads were able to make amends for their 2-1 Boxing Day defeat, but more importantly, get the better of one of the reasons why Morrison's men have started to transition into full-time football.

Around half of the Nomads' squad are now full-time, Morrison explaining: "These are difficult games against Bala, who are a very strong outfit.

"We've had a look at going full-time and one of the reasons is to give players a better opportunity to become better footballer and become fitter.

"The fact is that Bala have players that are earning a lot more money than our full-time players.

"We've had to look at going full-time because we can't compete with Bala.

"When an agent says to me 'if you give the same signing on fee, if you pay my agent fee and you give them the wage that Bala are going to give them, then he will re-sign for you'.

"I say no, but that is what we are competing against.

"Henry Jones has come in the summer and the first thing he says is that he's gone to Bala to win the league.

"Bala were second favourites to win the league - way, way ahead of us - and that is testament to their investment, which is a huge, huge investment.

"We can't compete against Bala on a part-time basis, we have to try and find a way to go full-time and make ourselves better with training rather than huge money.

"I think that shone through."

Michael Wilde gave Nomads an early lead, which was cancelled out by Jones, but Michael Parker made it 2-1 before the interval.

Quickfire goals from Andy Owens and Michael Bakare secured an impressive three points for Nomads, who are one clear of Barry Town United at the summit.

Morrison reflected: "I thought if we stayed in the game and I thought if we were patient that we would have too much for them here - and I think that showed.

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

"They've not had a shot and we've completely dominated the game, we were so in control and then we give them a leg up.

"We've got to cut those mistakes out and stop giving teams opportunities, because they were ruthless when they got it.

"The goal before half time is very good and something we've worked on in training where we manage to get the first contact on the ball, when you do that in the box you've always got a chance of scoring.

"They are always close games, but I thought we were by far the better team."

Cefn Druids avoided a repeat of their Boxing Day horror show against The New Saints, but were unable to help Nomads as the reigning champions wrapped up a 3-0 away win.

Druids, thumped 7-0 in their last match against Saints, started brightly at Park Hall, but Ryan Brobbel - hat-trick hero on Boxing Day - returned to haunt Huw Griffiths' men with a 15th minute opener.

Aeron Edwards then doubled the visitors' lead before the break, before the midfielder completed the scoring after the interval.

Scott Ruscoe's Saints are now third, two points off top spot with two games of the first phase to play.

Caernarfon Town were unable to sufficiently strengthen their grip on sixth spot after being held 1-1 by rock-bottom Llandudno. Sion Bradley gave Caernarfon the lead, but Mark Connolly levelled from the penalty spot two minutes later.