BALA TOWN 0

CONNAH'S QUAY 1

A QUAY clash at the weekend failed to go in favour of the Lakesiders.

Bala Town's hopes of qualifying for next season's UEFA Europa League were dealt a blow as they lost out in their vital home clash with Connah's Quay.

As is the norm in encounters between the Lakesiders and the Nomads, it was a tight affair at Maes Tegid, with one chance being the only difference separating the clubs.

Town edged the first half and they were able to keep Quay at bay in the early stages when Rob Hughes' chance from 20 yards was pushed away by Ashley Morris.

Michael Bakare blazed over the bar from a free kick, before a long throw from Lewis Short was cleared by the Nomads defence down the other end.

Bala had an excellent chance on 23 minutes.

Visiting keeper John Danby denied Chris Venables from eight yards out after good build-up play from Les Davies and Mike Hayes.

Soon after, another Town effort went close, but Jonny Spittle was able to clear.

The visitors had a penalty shout when Ryan Wignall went up against Short, but referee Kevin Parry adjudged that the Bala player won the ball.

Bala finished the half strongly and after dancing down the wing, Short's his shot was driven over the bar.

In another opportunity, Les Davies' close range header was cleared by Mike Pearson minutes before the interval.

Bala started the second half in bright fashion.

When through one-on-one, Hayes challenged Danby, but the Quay keeper gained the upper hand, before a free kick was headed away by Kai Edwards.

Nathan Burke's effort from 20 yards went wide of the upright, but it was Connah's Quay who took the lead on 63 minutes.

Substitute Mike Wilde pounced on a mistake by David Thompson and he slotted home from five yards.

Bala attempted to get back on level terms following this setback.

Rob Pearson's header was saved and a shot by Burke was pushed out for a corner, while a good combination between Hayes and Davies allowed Kieran Smith to strike, but the forward was deemed offside.

Les Davies rattled the base of the post from six yards out, before the same player again hit the post on 72 minutes with Danby beaten.

Down the other end, it was Quay's turn to hit the woodwork themselves when Robert Hughes' curling effort from the edge of the box had Morris beaten.