RUTHIN TOWN 1

BALA TOWN 2

THE battle of the Towns was decided by a dramatic last minute winner.

Friday was derby night at Memorial Park Fields as Welsh Premier League Bala Town headed to local rivals Ruthin Town.

It was a fiery and full blooded affair, with a great high tempo and the game could have gone either way.

In a promising beginning, Ruthin had a great chance to open the scoring in the fourth minute.

Ryan Jones’ low effort was saved by Bala number one Ashley Morris.

In response, a good attack by Bala saw Chris Venables head the ball back into the area after a deep cross.

This found Henry Jones, but his instinctive cross was brilliantly pushed away by Ryan Goldston.

There was little in the way of clear-cut opportunities, with Ruthin being frustrated by offside decisions.

Bala looked to threaten and Chris Venables saw a header go narrowly wide of the target, prior to Henry Jones’ low shot fizzing inches wide.

The deadlock was broken in stunning fashion in the 33rd minute.

Ruthin midfielder Osian Davies unleashed a rocket of an effort from all of 40 yards, which found the top corner of the net.

Bala targeted a swift response and Steven Tames was denied by Ryan Goldston.

With Ian Sheridan and Kieran Smith being introduced to freshen things up, Bala started the second half well.

A delivery from Andy Burns arrived to Tames, but his effort went wide, while Sheridan was off target with an attempt from Evan Horwood's corner.

Bala did manage to level things up in the 66th minute.

Horwood's free kick from the edge of the D found the top left hand corner of the home net.

It was almost Horwood at the double when he rattled the post, while Bala secured a dramatic triumph in the last minute.

With the light fading, Kieran Smith’s shot from 18 yards took a deflection and went into the back of the net.