BALA TOWN 2

THE NEW SAINTS 1

A FRIENDLY it may have been, but Bala Town will take any sort of win against The New Saints.

Only on one previous occasion ahead of Saturday had the Lakesiders managed to get the better of the multiple JD Welsh Premier League champions.

However, Colin Caton's side warmed up for their UEFA Europa League adventure in the best possible fashion by seeing off the Saints 2-1 at Maes Tegid.

There were no clear opportunities until the 14th minute at a glorious Maes Tegid, when the visitors took the lead.

Ryan Brobble fired home into the roof of the net when Greg Draper’s ball to Redmond was blocked and arrived to his feet around seven yards out.

Bala fought back following this setback and they started to apply pressure.

New signing Andy Mangan outran Simon Spender on the wing, but when he appeared to be fouled by the defender, the referee waved play on.

After Chris Venables blazed over a free kick from 40 yards, Bala were able to level in the 25th minute.

Mangan’s through ball carved open the Saints' backline and Venables latched on to it to fire into the net from 15 yards.

The Lakesiders were growing in confidence, with Andrew Burns curling over from 30 yards and Mangan’s powerful looping strike went narrowly over the top.

Paul Harrison denied Mangan before the interval, while down the other end, a free kick was whipped wide of the far upright.

The second half saw the visitors come out strongly, with home number one Ashley Morris blocking Redmond’s close range effort.

Redmond tested once more when his free kick went wide of the post and at the other end, Nathan Burke’s flicked header went wide from Kieran Smith’s delivery.

Bala claimed the lead after an hour.

Following a quick break, Mike Hayes put a teasing ball into the area and after a mix-up between Hudson and Harrison, Kieran Smith headed in from four yards out.

Bala dominated the remainder of the match.

It was almost 3-1 when Andy Mangan's flicked header was pushed against the post by Harrison.