BALA Town could take plenty of heart from their 2-0 defeat against Swedish giants AIK in the away leg of their Uefa Europa League tie in Stockholm last Thursday evening, writes Adam Hughes.

Colin Caton’s men produced a very spirited performance as they battled until the final whistle to earn the full respect of their illustrious opponents - and the 6,127-strong crowd at the Tele2 Arena.

Amin Affane gave AIK the lead just before the half-hour mark, and seven minutes after the interval former Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City defender Nils-Eric Johansson made it 2-0 to the hosts.

The Lakesiders, however, refused to succumb under sustained pressure and AIK failed to capitalise further on their lion’s share of possession - despite over 20 efforts at keeper Ashley Morris’ goal.

As AIK pushed hard to finish off the tie, Bala dug in deep to frustrate them - and sub Mike Hayes almost scored a crucial away goal late on, but Patrik Carlgren saved, before he was flagged offside.

A strong start from AIK - who are currently fourth in the Swedish League table - had seen a good effort from Patrick Kpozo blocked, and the ever-alert Morris also saved well from Alexander Isak.

At the other end, Mark Connolly fired a half chance wide, and Ian Sheridan was closed down quickly on the break, but AIK were in control and Morris was called upon to keep out a shot by Carlos Strandberg, on loan from CSKA Moscow.

Ghanaian midfielder Ebenezer Ofori also had an effort blocked, but then the deadlock was finally broken on 27 minutes, courtesy of a neat volley from 18 yards out from the lively Sweden Under 19s and ex-Chelsea Youth teamer Affane.

Christos Gravius, another Swedish Under-19 international, and Alexander Isak both had efforts on goal, before the powerful Ofori also fired wide as Bala held onto a slender deficit until the interval.

A bright start to the second half saw a long throw by David Thompson find Nathan Burke, who saw his effort fly over the bar, but AIK soon regained control.

The hosts pushed forward once more and forced two more corners, with Affane firing over from distance - before Johansson crucially doubled the home lead.

From a corner, the ball was swung to the far post and Johansson scooped the ball over Morris from around 10 yards out.

AIK’s supporters might have sensed a rout, but Bala once again responded positively, and defender Stuart Jones almost forced a reply when his looping header from Keiran Smith’s corner forced a save.

Back came AIK, and three successive corners were cleared away, with Isak having an effort blocked, before keeper Morris made a superb one-handed save to deny midfielder Christos Gravius.

At the other end, a superb ball through from Keiran Smith found Mike Hayes, but the keeper was able to gather, before AIK broke again with Carlos Strandberg missing a great chance to make it 3-0.

It was backs to the wall in the final 15 minutes as Stefan Ishizaki forced a save from man of the match Morris, and then replacement Denni Avdic fired wide as Bala held out in the closing stages.

By the final whistle Bala’s spirited efforts had earned the full respect of the home crowd, and the AIK North Stand supporters applauded the team as the Lakesiders lined up to wave back to them.

There is all to play for in the second leg at Rhyl’s Belle Vue ground on Thursday, and Colin Caton’s men - like Wales’ national team - can still dare to dream.

BALA TOWN: A Morris, R Valentine, A Stephens, S Jones, S J Jones, M Connolly (M Jones 69), I Sheridan, K Smith, T Davies, D Thompson (M Hayes 56), N Burke (J Crowther 83). Unused subs: C Vernon (gk). Att: 6,127.