SPRING is almost upon us... the temperature is getting warmer, the nights are drawing out and the use of floodlights is getting less and less in the evenings.

Floodlights have really been the theme for Bala Town’s season.

Unbelievably, we have been involved in three games that have seen three floodlight failures this campaign alone!

I wonder what odds a bookmaker would offer for this to happen to one club on three occasions!

It all started back in June in the Europa League when Town headed over to Italy to face San Marino outfit Tre Fiori and during the second half, the Stadio Tullo Morgagni plunged into darkness for 45 minutes, putting the game in doubt and creating havoc due to all of UEFA’s rules and regulations and the fact that the Bala squad were flying back at midnight from Bologna after the game.

Luckily, a second generator kicked in and the game was completed.

Fast forward to December and the Lakesiders travelled to play Flint in the third round of the JD Welsh Cup.

The Sgorio cameras decided to choose this fixture as their live game, with the kick-off moving to 7.30pm and a bumper crowd was in attendance at Cae y Castell.

Bala got off to a superb start with Kieran Smith giving them the lead after only two minutes.

However, from the restart the lights started to flicker and BANG! Half of the lights had blown and the referee had no option but to call the game off after only four minutes of play.

It was frustrating for all involved, with the replay taking place three days later and Bala did breeze through into round four.

And now into 2019, January didn’t go brilliantly for the Lakesiders with three losses in the league, but a much needed win in the JD Welsh Cup at Haverfordwest saw Bala book a quarter-final tie versus Cardiff Met on March 2.

Due to the League split, there were no fixtures during the opening week of February, but Town’s opening game of the Championship Conference was scuppered as the snow arrived and put a top hat on Bala’s clash against The New Saints.

Onwards we went to Jenner Park to take on Barry Town, with Bala seeking a much needed win and the game being shown live once again on Sgorio.

Town started brilliantly and Steven Tames sent us 1-0 up after 13 minutes - what a dream start!

Once the celebrating was over and the teams lined up for the restart, you’ll never guess what happened!

Yep, here we go again, the lights went out!

Two fire engines turned up within minutes as the floodlight control room had started smoking and we were confronted by another game being called off... and a wasted 300-mile round trip.

Town’s next fixture is on February 22, meaning they won’t have played in a month, but hopefully it will all be worth it once we get back underway!

Check the website for all our upcoming fixtures.

Away from dodgy lighting, the Academy are flying along with the U-12s and 14s topping their Super Six tables and the U-19s comfortably mid-table at the halfway mark.

The younger age groups have been playing at Everton, Wolves and Crewe Alexandra, with games coming up at Liverpool, Leicester and Preston North End.

We have a special half-term holiday camp organised on February 25 and 26 with first team member Henry Jones joining us on the Tuesday for a football masterclass.

Boys and girls aged 5-12 are welcome to join in for £10 per day or £15 for both, with plenty of fun activities planned at Maes Tegid during the five hours of football.

Register your child now via community@balatownfc.co.uk

The 3G is busy, with Corwen, Llanuwchllyn, Dolgellau AAA, Ruthin Town and Porthmadog using the facility regularly, as well as Bala Juniors and the Llyn and Eifionnydd Football League.

We have regular pitch slots (1/3, 2/3rds and full pitches) throughout March and April available.

Our dressing rooms and media suite can also be provided and all prices include floodlights where necessary.

During half-term, we will be hosting the Wales U-18s Academy squad, who will be facing the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, February 28 at 2pm.

With the race for European football hotting up, get yourselves down to Maes Tegid to support the lads for their final 10 games of the season - they would really appreciate your support.

However, please bring a torch with you... just in case someone’s forgotten to put 50p in the meter!

For more information about 3G hire, the Academy or community, e-mail community@balatownfc.co.uk or visit balatownfc.co.uk