A SPIRITED Bala Town shook off the disappointment of their Europa League exit with an encouraging 1-0 pre-season win against Crewe Alexandra at Maes Tegid last Tuesday evening.A second half strike from Sean Smith earned the Lakesiders a satisfying win, and manager Colin Caton will have been equally pleased with the clean sheet against talented opposition.Under the watchful eye of former Bala midfielder Kenny Lunt, the League Two outfit threatened early on when Alex Nicholls fired wide from 12 yards.

Nicholls also forced a save from Lakesiders’ custodian Ashley Morris, who then tipped another powerful effort from the edge of the box over the crossbar.

Minutes before halftime, Crewe were awarded a penalty when Evan Horwood brought down Nicholls in the box, but Jordan Bowery's spot kick was turned around the left post by Morris.

The second half saw Bala play some very impressive football along the deck and Andy Mangan saw an effort blocked by Wales Under-19s international defender Billy Sass-Davies.

Crewe were quick on the counter-attack, especially down the right side, but Evan Horwood and Sean Smith did well to deal with the threat from the lively visitors.

A header from Nicholls was brilliantly pushed over the bar by Morris, but Bala stepped up their pressure and Mangan forced a save after being picked out by Steven Tames.

Tom Lowery put a golden chance wide of the post from just six yards out, but with just under 20 minutes left to play, it was the Lakesiders who took the lead.

Sean Smith powered down the left wing, turned three players and expertly slotted the ball home into the bottom corner of the net from an acute angle.

A 20 yard low effort from Smith was also saved, and Horwood’s 18 yard free kick rattled the Crewe post as Colin Caton’s men began to move up through the gears.

The visitors also had chances, but Bala’s back line stood firm until the final whistle, to leave them in good heart for their match at home to Denbigh on Friday night.