FLINT TOWN UNITED 2

BALA TOWN 0

IT was a weekend to forget for Bala Town.

The Lakesiders departed the JD Welsh Cup at the third round stage with a 2-0 loss at JD Cymru North high-flyers Flint Town United.

At an extremely windy Cae y Castell, the first half lacked opportunities from both sides, with the strong wind causing havoc, while a difficult playing surface also playing its part.

A quarter-of-an-hour passed before the first clear cut effort on goal, with Brown heading wide of the far upright for the home side.

There was no lack of effort from the Lakesiders, who were trying to find their men.

However, with Josh Tibbetts’ goal kicks and defensive clearances not travelling more than 30 yards, it was a frustrating half for the visitors, who were playing against the conditions.

After 31 minutes, the home side went ahead.

A break down the left hand side wasn’t dealt with by the Bala defence and Callum Bratley took full advantage to tidily put the ball into the back of the net.

Bala’s afternoon was dealt another blow as midfielder Lassana Mendes was sent off for a late challenge on Brandon Burrows two minutes from half-time.

The interval saw a change of shape for the Lakesiders, who brought in Kelly for Burns as they looked to hit back in the second period.

Bala started brightly in the second half and had an excellent spell of pressure.

Firstly, Louis Robles was toppled over in the six-yard box only for play to be waved on, before Henry Jones’ free kick was saved by the goalkeeper.

Bala should have been level when Steve Leslie’s teasing ball into the box was directed towards an unmarked Chris Venables at the back post, but the striker missed the incoming ball by inches.

This good spell of pressure continued as Robles and Venables broke quickly and beat the offside trap.

Robles swung the ball into Venables, but the centre half beat him to it and forced his own goalkeeper to clear his goalbound intervention.

A 25-yard lob by Robles was saved by Jones, before a scramble in the area involving Mike Hayes and Jones saw Flint clear away the danger.

Three minutes before the end, Tibbetts made an excellent reaction save to keep out a Flint header.

However, Bala were punished as the resulting corner was headed in by Andrew Brown to ensure that Niall McGuinness’ side booked their spot in the fourth round.