RHYL 1, BALA TOWN 3

WHILE Christmas was somewhat cancelled, it did eventually turn out to be a fine festive spell for the Lakesiders.

After the scheduled Boxing Day clash was postponed, Bala Town had to wait three more days for their post-Christmas derby clash with Rhyl... but it was well worth the wait!

Kieran Smith and Ian Sheridan gave Bala a 2-0 lead at the break.

Things took a turn for the worst when the second half got underway as the wind got stronger and conditions were horrendous for the Lakesiders to play against with Ashley Morris’ goal kicks not even reaching the end of his 18-yard line!

Rhyl capitalised on this and pulled a goal back with 51 minutes on the clock courtesy of a scrappy shot inside the box by Derek Taylor.

Slowly but surely, the wind started to ease and Bala began to claw themselves back into the second period after weathering the storm.

Bala’s finally got the third goal they’d been waiting for on 81 minutes.

Lee Hunt picked the ball up to release Mike Hayes, who subsequently cut into the box and smashed the ball home.

Fast forward a few days and the two sides met once more at Maes Tegid.

This time, the match ended 0-0.

For full reports, see this week's Free Press.