CHRIS Venables has hailed the strength of character of the side after he sent Bala Town through to the final of the Welsh Cup.

Venables' late close-range effort saw the Lakesiders defeat Connah's Quay Nomads in a last-four classic in Flint, with Bala now moving forward to tackle The New Saints in the showpiece final.

Speaking to S4C's Sgorio after the epic contest, Venables was left to reflect on the strength of character shown by the side, who fell behind inside the opening minute of the contest.

"We've got that in the group," stressed Venables.

"We've perhaps lacked it a little bit in recent weeks.

"We've been a bit depleted and what not, but yes it does show character and we've a good group of lads."

Harry Franklin gave Neil Gibson's Nomads the lead after only 37 seconds, however Nathan Peate and man of the match George Newell struck to turn things around.

Jack Kenny made it two-apiece, but the final word went to Venables and Bala.

"Obviously a disastrous start and then I thought we played really well for the remainder of the game, really," said Venables.

"We've gone 2-1 up and then a little bit shaky again, but emotions now are very, very high obviously and thoroughly looking forward to another final."

Newell said: "It was one of the best games I've ever played in.

"We couldn't have got off to a worse start and it was back-and-forth all game and then it could have gone either way and we've managed to just nick one at the end and it was an unbelievable game."