BALA TOWN 1

CONNAH'S QUAY 4

THERE was a better performance from Bala Town last night, but they still slipped to a home loss.

The Lakesiders experienced another defeat when high flying Connah’s Quay secured the three points at Maes Tegid, denying The New Saints the JD Welsh Premier League title... for 24 hours at least!

Things didn’t start well for Bala.

Nathan Woolfe, who had been recalled from Airbus UK Broughton in the week, netted the opener for Connah's Quay in the sixth minute, after Holmes’ long throw was headed on by Michael Wilde into his path at the back post.

Connah’s Quay were a threat going forward and they almost doubled their lead when Horan’s header was pushed away by Ashley Morris.

However, on 17 minutes, the Lakesiders managed to haul themselves level.

Anthony Stephens’ free kick was headed on by Kieran Smith and although Henry Jones' initial effort was blocked by Brass, he slid in to score from the rebound.

Bala were having a good spell of pressure, with Henry Jones almost getting another, but Brass showed his mettle to come to Quay’s rescue.

Even though Bala were doing well, they found themselves trailing once more on 26 minutes.

Callum Morris picked out an unmarked Woolfe, who unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the area into the back of the net.

At the other end, Jones denied by Brass from 18 yards, another double chance for Jones was just about hacked away in the six-yard box.

It was a busy night for Jones, who saw a fourth goalscoring opportunity being pushed around the post.

Unfortunately for Bala, the second half started badly.

Woolfe completed his hat-trick only two minutes after the restart.

Holmes’ long throw bounced around in the area and when it was not dealt with by Bala, Woolfe pounced to drill an effort high into the top corner.

Bala were understandably deflated after conceding and chances were few and far between as they battled against the physical Quay outfit. Kieran Smith’s low drive from just outside the box was collected and a number of crosses went into the area, but despite Bala shouts for fouls, they were all waved away by the officials.

Town were dealt a further blow a quarter-of-an-hour from time when Anthony Stephens was dismissed for a second yellow card, meaning Bala were to end the game with 10 men.

With four minutes left to play, Quay added a fourth goal.

Adam Barton slotted in unmarked at the back post to seal a good night's work from the visitors.