THE NEW SAINTS 1

BALA TOWN 0

THE Lakesiders were left to rue a missed penalty as The New Saints snapped up all three JD Cymru Premier points.

At a rainswept Park Hall, Bala Town took on the defending champions in their latest spot of Friday night football.

Although top scorer Chris Venables was missing due to suspension, Bala began the first half well.

However, they tended to show a bit too much respect towards their opponents, who took a hold of the half early on.

Draper and Redmond had opportunities in the first five minutes for the home side as they posed a threat, prior to Blaine Hudson rising higher than anyone, but he placed his header wide of the upright on 13 minutes.

Bala keeper Ashley Morris was called into action to deny a close range Draper chance, before Ebbe’s opportunity was blocked.

Town’s shotstopper made a fantastic block to keep Hudson’s three-yard chance out soon after as the Saints lifted the pressure.

However, Bala were quick on the counter and they were awarded a spot kick after 25 minutes, giving them a fantastic opportunity to take the lead.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Louis Robles’ powerful strike was pushed around the post to keep the match at 0-0.

A threat on the break, the home side took advantage of the Town backline being out of position and they were driving forward three-against-two, but Morris blocked Redmond’s chance, before Burns put his body on the line to send the follow-up out for a corner.

Bala came more into things towards the end of the half and they started to apply some pressure of their own.

Henry Jones’ superb ball into the area was cleared by the TNS centre halves, before Burke tried to unleash Robles, but the referee collided with the cross prior to the interval.

From the restart, the home side had a massive opportunity to take the lead.

A triple chance involving Brobbel was cleared off the line twice and then Morris palming the ball away from danger.

With 56 minutes played, the Saints nudged themselves ahead.

Brobbel’s cross picked out Greg Draper and his header went into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

After going behind, the Lakesiders came out strongly and they went on to deliver an impressive second half display that should have seen them earn a point.

Playing with confidence, Steve Leslie was released into the box, but Saints' keeper Paul Harrison collected.

Soon after, Robles drove into the area and he seemed to be fouled by Redmond, but he saw his claims waved away.

Mendes in the heart of the midfield set up Smith and Robles, but Bala just couldn’t put one of their numerous half-chances away.

Davies was beaten by Kieran Smith, but his strike had too much power on the slick surface and it went out of play, before Henry Jones’ daisycutter from 30 yards out was pulled wide of the far upright.

Bala were having a sustained spell of possession and a minute from time they had the ball in the net through Kieran Smith, but his brilliant strike was ruled out for offside.

Town will feel slightly disappointed not have taking away a points return after such a promising performance, but they should be happy with their efforts in such appalling weather conditions.