PRESTATYN TOWN 2, BALA TOWN 1
TWO goals in the space of seven second-half minutes meant that Bala Town’s winless Welsh Premier League sequence continued at Prestatyn.
Bastion Gardens was the venue for the first meeting between the two most recent Cymru Alliance champions at Welsh Premier level, and a crowd of 276 witnessed a fixture between two sides that have had a big rivalry over recent seasons.
Chances were few and far between in the early stages and it wasn’t until the 27th minute that Prestatyn goalkeeper Jon Dunt made the first real save of the match, when he tipped the ball over the bar from a Ross Jefferies free kick.
The visitors took the lead after half-an-hour when Dunt was knocked over coming to collect the ball, allowing Jefferies to shoot at goal, his effort going in via a deflection off a Prestatyn defender.
Bala had opportunities to increase their lead in the remaining 15 minutes of the half, but Osian Jones blasted his shot over the bar and when Jefferies guided a header on target from close range, Dunt easily caught the ball.
Dunt was called into action first in the second half, as he had to make a save in the 48th minute when a Bala corner arrowed straight at the goal.
Bala were made to rue their wasted opportunities as Prestatyn found an equaliser on the hour-mark.
David Hayes won a header in a crowded box and scored at the bottom corner of the net.
The visitors had the opportunity to score a second almost immediately, but striker John Toner’s effort from just inside the box was fired straight at the goalkeeper.
Prestatyn took the lead in the 67th minute when referee Huw Jones controversially awarded the home side a free kick after stopping the game to allow one of their players to receive treatment for a head injury, despite no foul occurring.
The free kick taker found a teammate on the edge of the box, who crossed in for Paul O’Neill to head in.
John Toner thought he had netted an equaliser in the 71st minute, but his goal was disallowed for what must have been a push on the defender.
The Lakesiders’ chances of a second goal were dealt a blow shortly afterwards when Danny Jellicoe was shown a straight red for dissent, and foul and abusive language.
This came after the Clawddnewydd man complained to the referee about not being awarded a free kick after being hauled down by a tackle from behind.
The red means that Jellicoe will miss at least the next two matches, joining a lengthening list of suspended players.
Peter Moore is another set up for suspension after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Prestatyn, while Ricky Evans is serving a four-match ban.
Bala’s inability to finish off their chances continued in the closing stages, as Owain Roberts shot from the edge of the box, only to see the keeper save at the top corner.
In stoppage time Peter Moore sent a shot narrowly wide as Bala suffered their fifth league defeat of the season.