Bala suffer first defeat as Williams joins on loan

BALA slipped to their first defeat of the season on Bank Holiday Monday when a strong and resilient Newtown side snatched all three points with a second half winner. The home side were on the back foot before the match started with seven players sidelined on the injury list.

Despite this the Lakesiders dominated early possession and a number of half chances were squandered when Tomas Jones had a shot tipped over and Emmanuel Osilaja failed to make a good contact with the goal at his mercy.

An early booking for Tom Kelly did not help matters but the visitors were making little impression on the Bala goal. There was a penalty shout for handball inside the visitor’s area just before the interval which was waved away and the first half ended scoreless.

The second half began in similar fashion and Osilaja hit the post with a header which should have found the target. The visitors then began to look the better side and after Osilaja was substituted by Charlie Fisher they made the breakthrough on 69 minutes when Jolyon Harries slammed a shot home from only six yards out.

Despite every effort Bala could not find a reply and an excellent effort from Henry Evans was kept out by a good save from the keeper. Tom Kelly was then replaced by James Farr and the match deteriorated into a battle as three players were booked in quick succession.

The visitors held their control and produced a spirited performance to inflict a first defeat of the season on the home side.

It is going to be a tough few weeks ahead as the injury list is unlikely to improve in the short term.

Bala travel to Porthmadog on Saturday for another huge local derby and then face another daunting trip to Denbigh Town the week after.

They could give new signing Aron Williams a debut at the Traeth after announcing his loan signing from Colwyn Bay today.

Report: BTFC