Denbigh Town 5 Bala Town 2

Novira Cymru North

BALA Town endured a night to forget as they suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat away to Denbigh Town at Central Park on Friday evening.

There was some positive news before kick-off for the Lakesiders, with Nathan Burke and Ross White returning to the squad after injury, while Kyle Harrison was named among the substitutes following his own spell on the sidelines.

However, Bala were dealt an early setback when an unfortunate own goal from Aron Williams after just nine minutes handed the hosts the lead.

The visitors struggled to gain a foothold in the contest against a determined and energetic Denbigh side, who matched their opponents all over the pitch.

Bala's injury problems deepened midway through the first half when Henry Evans was forced off with an injury after 35 minutes and was replaced by Burke.

Tom Kelly came closest to an equaliser for the visitors when he struck the post, while Denbigh also threatened, rattling the crossbar following a goalmouth scramble.

The home side's dominance was rewarded as they took a deserved 1-0 advantage into the interval.

Manager Steve Fisher sought a response after the break, introducing Ross White for Okera Simmonds at half-time, but Denbigh doubled their lead seven minutes into the second half.

Daniel Flanders rose unchallenged from a corner to head home and put the hosts firmly in control. Bala responded quickly when Burke pulled a goal back, raising hopes of a comeback.

Those hopes were short-lived, however, as Elliott Orton restored Denbigh's two-goal cushion almost immediately.

Further changes saw Harrison replace Will Bell, and John Owen reduced the deficit once again with a well-taken strike in the 64th minute to make it 3-2.

Any prospect of a late recovery disappeared as the game became increasingly chaotic. Ryan Valentine was shown a red card from the bench, and Denbigh took full advantage of Bala's defensive frailties.

Substitute Dafydd Vaughan Evans struck twice late on to seal an emphatic victory and complete a miserable evening for the visitors.

The result provides an early warning for Fisher and his players, who will be eager to respond quickly when they travel to Penrhyncoch on Tuesday evening for another important league fixture.