CONNAH'S QUAY 2

BALA TOWN 1

DEFEAT was a bitter pill for Bala Town to swallow ahead of Christmas.

It was a difficult Friday night for the Lakesiders, who gave a brilliant display at Connah's Quay, but they still walked away without any points.

Town started with intent and early momentum gave them a dream start.

A cross into the box from the right arrived to Jonny Spittle, who drove the ball towards goal and and it went into the net after a slight deflection off Louis Robles.

In control of proceedings, Town put further pressure on Quay, with Steve Leslie meeting a Lassana Mendes delivery, but he headed wide from around seven yards out minutes later.

A series of corners saw Bala threaten again, with Brass dropping the ball into the path of Chris Venables, who struck an effort over the bar.

Down the other end, Josh Tibbetts made an excellent save as he tipped over Declan Poole’s volley.

Leslie and Mendes were looking bright for Town as they looked to add to their tally, with Venables heading wide of the post, prior to Leslie blazing the ball over the crossbar after a free kick on the flank.

Bala began with the same intensity at the start of the second half, with Sean Smith being denied by Brass.

The home keeper was called into action again to stop Venables’ effort from Lassana Mendes’ quick ball into the area.

Robles almost made it 2-0 when he pounced on a lapse of concentration at the back and he swung the ball into the box, but the goalkeeper recovered to collect.

The missed chances were about to become costly for Bala.

Connah's Quay levelled on 66 minutes when Holmes’ long throw bounced around in the box.

It arrived to substitute Bakare at the back post and he powered the ball home.

With the wind in their sails, the momentum turned into the home side's favour as they started to counter attack and cause problems for Town.

In the 74th minute, the home side were ahead.

Poole drove down the right wing and picked out Bakare once again, who buried the ball in to make it 2-1.

This was harsh on the Lakesiders, but to their credit they continued to press, with Leslie’s teasing ball arriving to Spittle, who saw his effort being turned around the post.

As the game entered added time and with Bala throwing everything forward, they had a massive opportunity to salvage a point.

Mike Hayes picked the ball up 10 yards out, but he rocketed his attempt over the bar.