BALA TOWN 0

TRE FIORI 0

(Aggregate 0-3)

A GOOD start has seen the Lakesiders on the front foot during their key Europa League clash with San Marino side Tre Fiori.

As early as the second minute, visiting keeper Giorgio Pizzolato misjudged an effort to collect a free kick from 35 yards out and the defence managed to block Nathan Burke's shot before clearing.

Bala began with a high tempo, and play was waved on a minute later when striker Andy Mangan appeared to be tripped.

In their first piece of meaningful possession, the visitors won a free kick some 25 yards out, which went over the top of Ashley Morris' goal.

Bala responded and they won a free kick deep in Tre Fiori territory.

The ball is sent into the box, but the visitors gained a free kick.

At the other end, the San Marino side fired another effort off target from the edge of the area, prior to Bala so nearly taking the lead.

Andy Burns ball was flicked on by Kieran Smith and Ian Sheridan - who has scored so many vital goals for Bala in Europe - put his effort inches wide.

During the initial stages, it's Bala who are seeing most of the ball and the pressure is certainly building on the San Marino team.

Bala just need that elusive breakthrough.

They forged another chance in the 24th minute when Sean Smith's ball just eluded Chris Venables, the scorer for Bala at home to Vaduz last season.

A minute later and Bala number one Ashley Morris was called into action for the first time with a superb save from Vassalo.

The Lakesider won a 28th minute free kick after a high boot from an opposition player and while goalkeeper Pizzalo dropped the set piece, Bala were penalised when they battled for the loose ball.

Bala continued to crank up the heat and they twice went close to breaking the deadlock within the space of 60 seconds.

First, a superb ball into the dangerzone by Ian Sheridan was cleared.

Soon after, the best chance of the game so far arrived.

From a cross in by Kieran Smith, the final ball from Chris Venables trickled across the face of the visitors' goal.

That should have been the opening goal, but still Bala search for that elusive opening strike.

Yet again, Bala continued on the front foot and with half-time approaching, Kieran Smith's ball was cleared from the dangerzone for a corner, prior to Town going on a break, but Andy Mangan was adjudged offside.

Ian Sheridan supplied a delivery with six minutes of the first half left, however there was no-one there in support, while Bala had a huge penalty shout turned down as the pressure continued.

Smith was bundled over in the box, but play was waved on.

It was that man Smith who ran virtually the length of the pitch in the 43rd minute to set up Ian Sheridan, who couldn't get the desired connection and the ball went wide.

After two minutes of injury time, the interval arrived with the game still goalless.

Bala: Ashley Morris, Andy Burns, Sean Smith, Anthony Miley, Stuart Jones, Rob Pearson, Nathan Burke, Chris Venables, Ian Sheridan, Kieran Smith, Andy Mangan.

Subs: Vaughn Charles (gk), Stuart J Jones, Steven Tames, Evan Horwood, Ryan Valentine, Josh Jones.