Barry Town 2 Bala Town 1

HALF TIME

MANAGER Colin Caton was stinging in his criticism of the Lakesiders’ recent performances and his words seemed to have a dramatic impact this afternoon when Bala surged ahead after just two minutes at Jenner Park.

Shaun Kelly and Lassana Mendes returned to the starting eleven, with Anthony Stephens dropping to the bench, along with Raul Correia missing due to injury. Liam Davies also returned to the bench having not featured since the resumption of the league campaign. Ryan Pryce also returned to the starting team, having recovered from a minor injury, with Kieran Smith making way.

It was a brilliant start from the visitors, as Antony Kay’s header back across goal towards Chris Venables gave the captain a simple header into the back of the net.

Bala won a string of corners as they pushed for a second but, the next goal was scored by the home side on 12 minutes from another flag kick.

Shaun Kelly cleared the initial danger, but the ball was hit back in and headed into the net by Kayne McLaggon.

And the home side pushed ahead three minutes later, Evan Press heading home a free kick, after poor marking by Bala.

Back came Bala with Will Evans dragging an effort wide, and Ryan Pryce forcing the keeper into action with a powerful free kick.

The hosts finished the half strongly and had a penalty shout waved away before five minutes of added time was allocated after the net came loose following Venables’ opening goal.

Bala: Alex Ramsay, Sean Smith, Nathan Peate, Shaun Kelly, Ryan Pryce, Ollie Shannon, Antony Kay, Lassana Mendes, Jack Mackreth, Will Evans, Chris Venables. Subs: Kieran Smith, Harri Lloyd, Liam Davies, Anthony Stevens, Jonny Spittle