THERE has been European heartbreak for outstanding Bala Town.

After losing the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round tie 2-1 at home to Sligo Rovers, the Lakesiders headed to Ireland for the return.

Dave Edwards' strike saw brilliant Bala win the second leg 1-0, but they failed to progress to the next stage as Sligo triumphed in the ensuing penalty shootout.

Pressing from the start, Bala went close as Kieran Smith's long-range strike forced Edward McGinty into a full stretch save.

With Nathan Peate and Antony Kay in excellent form, Rovers' dangerous pairing of Aidan Keena and Max Mata struggled to create any kind of openings.

Following a period of possession for Sligo, the Lakesiders broke forward looking to cause some danger.

Dave Edwards found space in the area to get on the end of an inviting cross by Brad Bauress and direct the ball past McGinty to silence The Showgrounds crowd.

This meant that at half-time the Lakesiders were deservedly in front.

Bala had the better of the second half as well, with Lassana Mendes, James Davies and Kay all having opportunities to put the tie to bed.

However, no further goals arrived and extra time was required.

It was the Lakesiders who went closest to netting once more in the extra half-an-hour.

Chris Venables struck the bar with a header and the follow-up from less than five yards out by Luke Wall agonisingly thumped the woodwork once more.

The penalty shootout would go in favour of Sligo.

Jonny Spittle's effort was matched by a brilliant save from McGinty, who also kept out Wall's penalty.