BALA Town failed to find the net again as their poor run of form continued with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Cefn Druids at the Rock on Thursday evening.

After their 4-0 reverse at home to Carmarthen Town, Colin Caton’s men slipped to their fourth successive defeat in all competitions, in which they have conceded nine goals without reply.

Some poor defending allowed Ilan ap Gareth to fire the Ancients into a 23rd-minute lead, and Ashley Ruane then added another goal from the penalty spot before the half-time break.

More slack defending resulted in a free header for Nathan Peate to add the third goal on 64 minutes - to leave Caton with plenty to think about ahead of their clash with Aberystwyth at Maes Tegid this Friday.

The Lakesiders had started brightly at the Rock - a venue where they certainly hadn’t struggle to find the back of the net last season, in a stunning 4-4 draw against Huw Griffiths’ side.

Jordan Evans’ 25 yard effort was saved by home keeper Michael Jones after only two minutes, and this was followed by a good burst of pace by David Thompson releasing Andrai Jones, but the move broke down in the penalty box.

Mike Hayes then lobbed the goalkeeper from outside the penalty box, but the ball soared over the crossbar.

A neat Bala move between Evans, Lee Owens, Evan Horwood and Nathan Burke down the right allowed Evans to fire at goal, but the Druids’ defence was able to make a crucial block.

Bala at this stage were dominating possession, and they went close again when Andrai Jones’ glancing header was brilliantly palmed away by Jones, and then the follow up by Evans rocked the base of the post.

It was the home side, however, who took the lead when Ilan ap Gareth fired the ball home, after the Lakesiders failed to clear the danger after 23 minutes.

Further half chances fell to Horwood, Jones and Hayes, but Bala’s confidence then took a further knock three minutes before the interval.

Referee Iwan Griffiths pointed to the spot after a foul in the box, and up stepped Ruane to slam the ball home, giving the Ancients a 2-0 half-time lead.

Changes at half-time saw Ryan Valentine and Will Bell come on for Bala instead of Stuart Jones and David Thompson, but with an hour on the clock, Druids sealed the three points.

A free header by Peate in the six yard area beat goalkeeper Ashley Morris, to effectively the end any hopes of a Lakesiders comeback.

Ian Sheridan came on in place of Jordan Evans, but at the other end Will Bell had to pull out another strong clearance with 10 minutes left to play to stop Druids from adding a fourth goal.

CEFN DRUIDS: M Jones, A Hesp, N Peate, A Mudimu, A Ruane, M Pritchard, F Hajdari, I ap Gareth (S Cook 77’), L Buckley, N Ashton, R Pryce. Subs not used: N Arsan, M Eckersley, J Davies, E Healing.

BALA TOWN: A Morris, S Jones (W Bell 46), S J Jones, L Owens, E Horwood, C Venables, D Thompson (R Valentine 46’), N Burke, J Evans (I Sheridan 77’), M Hayes, A Jones. Subs not used: C Vernon (gk), G Rule. Attendance: 284. Referee: I Griffiths.