BALA Town had to settle for a share of the spoils as hosts Llandudno kept their hopes of finishing in the top six at the league split alive with a determined 1-1 draw at Maesdu Park last weekend.

Marc Williams had headed the Seasiders in front midway through the first half, but Bala hit back strongly in the second half as debutant John Disney, who has joined from Altrincham, got a crucial equaliser.

The draw keeps the Lakesiders in fourth place in the table ahead Saturday’s trip to face Barry Town, whilst Llandudno face a crucial showdown with Cefn Druids, needing a win to secure a top six place.

“We’re pleased with a point at the end of the game, because we did not start well,” admitted Bala boss Colin Caton. “Llandudno deserve credit as they bossed the first half, but we dominated the second.

“We looked a little tired and lethargic in the first half, following the Christmas period where we played four games, and maybe that took its toll on the lads today.

“But we responded really well after half-time, and as the game went on I thought that we were going to score a winner.”

A poor opening 45 minutes from the Lakesiders saw the hosts take hold of the game, with James Joyce’s early shot being saved by Ashley Morris, before Marc Williams also fired an effort over the bar.

With Llandudno well on top, Marc Evans’ ferocious effort was beat away by Morris, and new signing Wes Baynes fired a half volley that Morris again saved well.

Llandudno deservedly opened their account on 21 minutes as Marc Evans looped a cross in for Marc Williams to nod home.

Further home pressure saw Joyce make a great run down the left to find Baynes, who failed to find the target from a tight angle, and Mike Williams also fired wide.

Improvement was needed by the Lakesiders in the second half, and Lewis Short, another January signing from Altrincham, came off the bench for Jordan Evans.

A break down the left saw Ian Sheridan’s cross cleared for a corner which was headed over by Stuart Jones, and Will Bell also came close from another Bala flag kick.

Evan Horwood’s free kick then picked out Jones, but his strike didn’t have enough power and was saved by Dave Roberts, whilst Short saw an effort blocked on the line, and Mike Hayes’ effort was cleared.

Finally, with 78 minutes on the clock, Bala were level. Horwood’s corner picked out Les Davies, whose header was flicked towards the far post, and Disney got on the end of it for a well-deserved equaliser.

The final 10 minutes saw Llandudno drop deep as they tried to hold on for a point, but even though Bala put late pressure on them, the points were shared.

“It’s disappointing in a sense as the first 45 minutes were the best we have played since I’ve been in charge,” said Llandudno manager Iwan Williams. “The lads were phenomenal, and created lots of chances.

“My only criticism at half time was that we were not more than one goal up. We knew they’d come out fighting, but I am still really proud of the lads. I had asked them to take it to the last game, and it’s a straight shoot-out now for sixth place.”

LLANDUDNO: D Roberts, D Taylor, J Joyce, D Shaw, M Williams (S Hart 69’), W Baynes, T Dix, D Hughes, T Jones, M Williams, M Evans. Subs: P Rutter (gk), M Williams, L Thomas.BALA TOWN: A Morris, S Jones, L Owens, E Horwood, J Disney, W Bell, N Burke, J Evans (L Short 46’), M Hayes, I Sheridan, L Davies. Subs not used: C Vernon (gk), R Valentine, H Tanner, G Rule. Referee: D Morgan. Att: 257.