TWO goals from ex-Seasider Chris Venables consigned Aberystwyth to a 2-0 defeat in their JD Cymru Premier match against Bala at Maes Tegid on Friday.

The Lakesiders took the lead on 13 minutes, and although the Seasiders worked hard to get back in the game, former Park Avenue favourite Venables sealed the points with eight minutes to go, to cap a disappointing evening for Matthew Bishop’s men.

After a difficult journey for the loyal Green Army up through the flooded Dyfi valley, both sides made a storming start, with the chances coming at both ends.

Joe Phillips crossed for Paulo Mendes to head wide of Ashley Morris’ goal, and at the other end Venables brought a good save from Aber keeper Connor Roberts.

The Seasiders broke from a Bala corner and after a great move Marc Williams’ shot was deflected away for a corner.

Matthew Jones’ resultant set piece fell perfectly for Mendes, and his header brought a superb point blank save from Morris to preserve Bala’s clean sheet.

Louis Robles tapped wide for the hosts, but then the Lakesiders took the initiative when Henry Jones picked out Venables with a defence splitting pass, and he expertly found the back of the net for 1-0.

A Jones free kick was punched to safety by Roberts, and then young Lee Jenkins made a goal saving tackle to deny Robles as Bala pushed on for a second goal.

Jenkins then headed over at the other end from Luke Boundford’s long throw, before Jones was denied from close range by loan keeper Roberts once again.

Boundford worked hard to dispossess Morris out by the right touchline, but his goalbound effort was cleared off the line, and as the half time whistle went Bala probably just about deserved their lead, though Aber were certainly still in it.

Roberts denied Jones yet again after the break, and then brought off a superb double save from Robles and Venables in turn to keep the Seasiders still in the game.

Joe Phillips’ free kick in response was easy for Morris, and Robles curled wide with Bala once again looking threatening. Venables saw another attempt saved, and then defiant Aber went close as Jones’ corner fell for Williams to curl wide.

Mathew Jones then set up the effervescent Richie Ricketts, who shot wide, with the Black and Greens showing signs that they could indeed grab a battling point.

A nice move saw Alex Boss force a save from Morris with a left foot shot, and then sub Geoff Kellaway almost equalised with a snap volley, which caused panic at the back for Colin Caton’s men.

Aber’s dreams of a comeback were dashed however on 82 minutes as Jones again set up Venables, and the Llanidloes man lobbed Roberts with a cute effort for 2-0 - and there would be no way back.Just three days after their excellent 1-0 win at Nathaniel MG Cup holders Cardiff Met, to book a place in the quarter-finals, Aber will feel that they could well have snatched a draw from this encounter.

Venables’ clinical finishing was the difference between the sides, however, and the Seasiders will hope for better fortunes when they travel Penybont on Friday.

BALA TOWN: A Morris, A Burns, S Smith, A Stephens, N Burke, H Jones (L Molyneux 86’), K Smith, L Robles (M Hayes 67’), S Kelly, L Mendes (E Horwood 71’), C Venables. Subs not used: S Leslie, T Stephens, S Sullivan.

ABERYSTWYTH: C Roberts, R Wollacott, P Mendes, M Williams, L Boundford (G Kellaway 67’), L Jenkins, S Jones, M Jones, R Ricketts, T Price (A Boss 58’), J Phillips (R Edwards 58’). Subs not used: A Pennock (gk), W Baynes, E Vaz. Referee: I Griffith. Att: 233.