Bala Town hold firm as Porthmadog rally late

ThHIS was a good game in front of a strong crowd for the second time at Y Traeth this season. Bala took the win, and deservedly so based on their first-half performance. That said, Port deserves great credit for their own display in the second half, when they came very close to snatching a point, writes Treflyn Jones.

Bala started on the front foot and the pace of Osebi Abadaki and Jake Phillips often caused concern for the Port defenders. Bala’s passing was more accurate and many of their attacks carried real threat, while Port were overly reliant on long balls throughout the half – most of which proved wasteful.

Just after 20 minutes, Okera Simmonds came very close to scoring with a header that went inches past Robbie Williams’ post, and three minutes later Bala took the lead.

A deep cross from Abadaki beat the defence and found Tom Kelly free in the box. Robbie Williams did well to save his first effort, but Kelly pounced on the rebound and finished confidently with his second attempt.

Port survived a few storms after this and created some promising attacks before the break, especially on 45 minutes when Gruff John rose high to meet a strong header that went just a whisker past the far post from a Dylan Summers-Jones cross.

A huge disappointment for Port’s passionate supporters was seeing their team concede another goal just three minutes into the second half.

From a throw-in opposite the box, John Owen rose highest and flicked a back-header into the path of Charlie Fisher, who guided his shot skillfully into the net.

Port rolled up their sleeves. Their play became far more attacking and the silly, aimless long passing seen earlier in the afternoon disappeared.

Indeed, it was no surprise when Luke Baum scored to give hope to the home fans.

It came from a superb move down the right wing. After working his way into the penalty area, the unselfish Sam Reynolds squared the ball into the path of Baum, who fired ruthlessly past La’trell Jones in the Bala goal.

Port were really getting hold of the game now with skillful, patient play. But Bala remained dangerous on the counter. In fact, they missed a golden chance with three minutes left, with only goalkeeper Robbie Williams to beat.

Then, at the other end, Bala’s keeper had to save well from a thunderous 25-yard strike by the industrious Morgan Owen, and seconds before the final whistle an almighty scramble developed in the visitors’ penalty area. But thanks to determined defending from the Meirionnydd men, Bala survived.

Next Saturday, Port welcome Ruthin to Y Traeth (2:30pm).