BALA TOWN were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Penybont in their 21/22 JD Cymru Premier season opener.

The Lakesiders had taken part in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds last month having finished third in the Welsh top-flight table once more last season.

And, on the opening day of the new campaign at Maes Tegid, they were coming up against a side who had themselves enjoyed a stunning season during 20/21.

Rhys Griffiths' Bont side had impressed many followers of the JD Cymru Premier by finishing in fourth place.

The two sides looked fairly even on paper heading into the tie and that's how it unfolded on Saturday afternoon as they played out an entertaining draw.

A fast start saw both teams go close to taking the lead, with Will Evans going closest for Bala.

However it was Penybont who landed the first punch, with Sam Snaith heading into the net from a Nathan Wood cross just after 10 minutes.

It didn't take too long for a response from the Lakesiders though.

On 25 minutes, Calum Woods sent a free kick into the box which was met by Antony Kay who sent his header across goal, where Dave Edwards bundled the ball onto the post before Evans pounced on a poor follow-up clearance to make it 1-1.

In the second half, Bala turned the tie on its head just five minutes in.

Kieran Smith made his way to the byline and put the ball across the box where former Wales international Edwards dashed onto it with his left foot, and put the ball past the keeper.

But, Bont kept battling and were soon back in the tie.

Woods and Lewis Clutton collided in the Bala box and a penalty was awarded - Kane Owen then stepped and converted for 2-2.

Soon after, Bala had a penalty appeal waved away after Ollie Shannon was seemingly bundled over in the box.

Both teams fought for a winner to the end but things got a little tougher for Bala when captain Chris Venables was sent off for violent conduct in the dying moments following a tussle with Dan Jefferies.