BALA are still looking for their first league win of 2019, having picked up just one point from their last six outings, after another one-goal defeat on Friday night.

Caernarfon consolidated fifth spot as a result of their battling win at The Oval, and are now five points above the Lakesiders, against whom they have taken seven points from three games this term.

The Cofis had made the perfect start when Noah Edwards slotted home after just five minutes, and there was to be no way back for Bala, who lost top scorer Steven Tames and Rob Pearson to injury.

Both sides were also reduced to 10 men when Bala striker Kieran Smith and Caernarfon’s Leo Smith saw red following an altercation right on the half-time interval.

Bala keeper Ashley Morris had to make a low reaction save to block Sion Bradley’s close range effort, but Alex Ramsay was called into action down the other end as Steven Tames’ header lacked power.

Henry Jones had the chance of the first half when his powerful drive from 20 yards was palmed away by Ramsay.

Bala were starting to find their feet and challenge a bit more, but were dealt with a blow as Tames pulled up, holding his knee when on the attack in the box.

Then, a minute before the break, both sides went down to 10 men as Leo Smith and Kieran Smith clashed on the halfway line and sent for an early shower.

Jones and Chris Venables went close to scoring in the early minutes of the second half, and Mike Hayes saw a goalbound strike tipped over the bar on the hour.

Venables also saw an opportunity brilliantly hacked off the line by Joe Williams, but then substitute Rob Pearson had to leave the field after only 10 minutes of coming, adding to the injury list.

Hayes’ delivery was booted away by Caernarfon for a corner, which resulted in Stuart J Jones heading narrowly over with around 10 minutes left to play.

In a quick counter-attack, however, Cai Jones and Bradley broke forward, allowing Darren Thomas to half volley over the bar, in a real let off for the Lakesiders.

During the final minutes, Bala should have got back on level terms as Henry Jones’ free-kick was blocked by the wall, and a goalmouth scramble was cleared .

Then Hayes went one on one with keeper Ramsay, but the shot-stopper was able to turn the chance away for a corner.

In additional time, Venables and Jones both saw goalbound chances in the six yard box blocked by Jamie Crowther and Gareth Edwards, ensuring that the home side maintained their hold on the points.

After a battling second half display, Bala were frustrated to be walking away without at least a point, but there were positives to take into their trip to face third-placed Barry Town at Jenner Park.

CAERNARFON TOWN: A Ramsey, J Williams, G Edwards, R Roberts, J Crowther, J Breese (C Jones 77’), D Thomas, N Edwards, R Williams, S Bradley (D Brookwell 85’), L Smith. Substitutes not used: G Evans, K Roberts, D Owen, C Morgan, N Bould (gk).

BALA TOWN: A Morris, A Burns, S Smith, S J Jones, E Horwood (R Pearson 64 minutes), N Burke, A Stephens, C Venables, H Jones, K Smith, S Tames (M Hayes 44’). Substitues not used: I Sheridan, A Miley, K Jones (gk).

Attendance: 704. Referee: B Markham-Jones.