NEWTOWN 1

BALA TOWN 2

THE Lakesiders are now just 90 minutes away from securing a spot in next season's UEFA Europa League.

Bala Town booked their spot in the Welsh Premier League play-off final by seeing off Newtown during an action-packed evening.

Town started brightly at Latham Park by seeing plenty of the ball in the early stages and they moved it quickly around the pitch.

The first real chance came on seven minutes and from a corner, Anthony Miley fired wide from close range.

Pressure was being applied by the Lakesiders, but Newtown were clearing their lines well and dealing with Bala’s attacking play. Newtown did find the back of the net via Nick Rushton after a quarter-of-an-hour, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

At the other end, Mike Hayes' shot was saved by Jones, prior to Kieran Smith’s 25-yard drive zipping inches wide of the target.

Newtown continued to pose a threat and Keighan Jones made a superb save on 28 minutes to keep Rushton’s effort out.

After Henry Jones hit an effort over the top, Keighan Jones was called into action once more with an excellent low reaction save with his feet to keep our another Rushton chance.

Bala took the lead five minutes before the break.

Burns’ teasing ball was headed on by Chris Venables into the path of Kieran Smith and he flicked an effort into the net.

Town could easily have gone further ahead minutes into the second half.

Hayes curled and effort over the bar and Venables attempted to lob the goalkeeper from 30 yards, but the ball went over the woodwork.

Bala doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute.

Sean Smith delivered a cracking ball into the area and Henry Jones headed home from some seven yards out.

It was game on once again when when Kenton pulled a goal back two minutes from time.

Bala nerves were jangling as Newtown threw everything at their visitors during injury time, but Town stood firm to ride out the pressure and book themselves a spot in the play-off final.