CONNAH'S QUAY 1

BALA TOWN 0

AN 88th minute strike devastated the Lakesiders on Tuesday night.

There was heartache for Bala Town in midweek as Connor Harwood’s header took Connah's Quay to the top of the Welsh Premier League table and left the Lakesiders devastated to not be walking away with at least a point.

The Nomads started well, with Bakare and Owens causing early problems for Bala, who put in an excellent gritty defensive display throughout the 90 minutes.

For their part, Bala looked dangerous on the right, with Henry Jones and Kieran Smith linking up well, but the physical Nomads' backline was keeping Town at bay.

Visiting keeper Ashley Morris made a superb reaction save at his near post to stop Owens on the half-hour mark.

At the other end, Kieran Smith swung a ball into Steven Tames, but it failed to reach him after some quick Bala play.

This was prior to Stephens’ free kick being collected by Danby.

Barton blazed over the crossbar after a clumsy foul was conceded on the edge of the D, while down the other end, Shaun Kelly prodded the ball just wide after a deep free kick.

Bala had the best chance of the half before the interval.

Kieran Smith shook off his marker and delivered a stunning cross to Chris Venables, but the opportunity was placed inches wide of the left upright.

Like the end of the first half, Town had a massive opportunity to take the lead when the second period got underway.

Sean Smith’s spectacular strike rattled the crossbar and the follow-up was tipped over by Danby.

In the Town box, Andy Burns made a crucial block to stop Bakare from taking what would have been a goalbound shot.

Tames, Venables, Jones and Smith were working extremely hard to create chances for Bala, but they were thwarted by the robust Quay backline.

However, a minute from time, the home side scored from their only clearcut chance of the half.

Harwood was on hand to head the ball low into the net.

It was a disappointing evening for the Lakesiders, who put in a superb shift with a resilient defensive display and they didn’t deserve to lose.