A FAST start thanks to Mike Hayes’ third-minute opener set the tone on Friday night as a rampant Bala Town side swept aside the challenge of Aberystwyth Town with a 4-0 win at Maes Tegid.

A first half brace from Kieran Smith followed by an early second half strike from Stuart Jones ensured the Lakesiders three points as Aberystwyth failed to cope with the Bala’s firepower.

It was the best possible start for Bala as they came firing out of the blocks, and with just three minutes on the clock they took the lead.

Striker Hayes continued his superb goalscoring run, finding the back of the net for the ninth time this season, when he turned the ball in at the back post from a right-sided delivery.

Bala were playing at a very high tempo, attacking at any attempt – a teasing cross from Mark Connolly was almost pinpoint for the incoming Smith which could’ve made it 2-0 before a spectacular volley on the turn from former Aber star Chris Venables went narrowly over the crossbar.

Bala spent much of the first half camped in their opponents’ half as they sent wave after wave of attack, with only Chris Jones on the left wing showing any attacking promise for the visitors.

Kieran Smith and Anthony Stephens combined well to nearly double Bala’s lead, only for Aber to hack the ball clear from their goal line.

But the Seasiders’ spirited defence was soon broken, haunted by longtime Aber captain Stuart J Jones.

The towering defender leaped highest to meet a corner, flicking the ball to the unmarked Smith who was free to slot home with ease in the 32nd minute.

Just five minutes later, Smith doubled his tally for the evening with a magnificent half volley from the edge of the 18-yard box.

His effort dipped just over Aber keeper Chris Mullock to nestle in the top corner and give the Lakesiders a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the interval.

Read the full match report in this week's Cambrian News