A LATE strike denied Bala Town the three points during their trip to the Essity Stadium.

Flint Town United marked the opening of their new 3G pitch with their first home Cymru Premier League match of the campaign.

It looked like the Lakesiders would claim the three points on the back of a Chris Venables penalty midway through the second period, however the Silkmen hit back with a last minute equaliser as it finished 1-1.

Larnell Cole was Flint’s hero, cutting in from the left to the edge of the box before firing a shot through a crowd of bodies, that seemed to deceive keeper Alex Ramsey as it passed under his body and into the net.

In truth, it was a bit of a steal by the home side, as Bala had, up to that point, dominated possession and had created by far the best chances.

The game started following an impeccably observed period of silence as a mark of respect for the recently departed Queen and the opening passage of play contained little incident.

A quick free kick routine down the right almost paid dividends for the hosts on 20 minutes, as Jayden Major received possession and curled a shot that was destined for the bottom corner before Ramsey got down and pushed it around the foot of his post.

Bala then created a good chance of their own, as George Newell received the ball with his back to goal, before smartly turning and hitting a shot that flew just wide of the post.

Just before the break, a long ball almost caught Flint out, as it was helped into the path of Ollie Shannon, who took it in his stride and advanced on goal from wide on the left. He blasted his shot the wrong side of the upright.

When the second half started, Kieran Smith began to orchestrate things in midfield for the visitors.

Lassana Mendes was also looking a threat whenever he received the ball.

The game’s opening goal arrived on 65 minutes.

Shannon sized up a shot and as he let fly, Harry Owen came rushing out to block the effort.

The ball struck his arm from close range and the referee awarded a spot kick. Bala captain Chris Venables stepped up to hit the penalty into the corner of the net.

Owen then redeemed himself when he was on hand to clear a Nathan Peate header off the line, following a Mendes corner, as Bala looked to turn the screw.

Venables' header was tipped over the bar by Harry Allen, but in the 89th minute, Cole grabbed a dramatic equaliser.