FIVE-star performance sees Bala through to the next round of the Welsh Cup
The Lakesiders are through to the next round of the Welsh Cup after another dominant performance in the competition as we hit five past Pontypridd Town.
Dave Edwards strikes the bar!
Bala brought the game to the visitors in the opening few minutes and Dave Edwards almost gave us the perfect start when his thunderous header struck the bar from Paul Rutherford’s corner. Colin Caton’s men continued to be in full control, as we looked for an early opener and Steve Leslie looked to produce it in sensational fashion with his volley in the area, but his effort blazed over the bar.
Venables gives us an early lead from the spot
Despite missing a penalty during the shootout in midweek, Chris Venables stood up to the task of taking a spot-kick when Edwards was brought down in the area. The captain was never in doubt this time as he found the bottom left corner, leaving Morgan Davies, the opposition goalkeeper, no chance.
Brad Bauress, the Welsh Cup scoring machine
Bala continued to push for more following the opener, inspired by our historic 17-1 victory in the last round. This attacking intent was quickly rewarded with a goal when the Lakesiders forced the ball into the opposition’s net for the second asJordan Knott fumbled the ball into his own goal with Venables breathing down his neck from across.
It was then Brad Bauress who continued where he left off in the Welsh Cup, adding another to his tally having scored a hat-trick in the last round. The ball falling kindly for the midfielder to control and casually find the bottom corner giving Bala a three-goal advantage as we entered the break with a comfortable advantage.
Leslie’s fancy flick makes it four
Following the restart, the Lakesiders once again put Davies under significant pressure, and he had to pull off a great reflex save to deny Nathan Peate at the back post early in the half. A corner that followed from his save saw Leslie’s backheel effort hit the back of the net as Bala extended their lead to four.
It was another Welsh Cup thrashing by the Lakesiders who showed their intentions in the competition with Rutherford making it five on the afternoon when his composed touch and finish displayed the confidence on show by every Lakesider on the pitch.
Davies’s brilliance stops Bala from running riot
Bar Davies’ brilliance throughout the ninety minutes who made countless saves to limit the damage it could have been a lot worse for the visitors. Venables was looking to grab his brace when Peate set him up well in the area, but the captain couldn’t beat the Dragons’ number one from a tight angle.
He denied Chris Sang his first goal in Bala colours moments later when the substitute saw his shot saved by the outstanding goalkeeper who prevented the Lakesiders from producing another cricket score in the Welsh Cup.
All in all, a comfortable performance by the Lakesiders who produced another memorable scoreline against Pontypridd to see them through to the next round of the Welsh Cup.
The Lakesiders will next be in action against Flint Town United on Friday, October 1st at the Cae Y Castell Stadium with the match being broadcasted live on Sgorio, with kick-off at 19:45pm.
Match Stats:
Bala Town –Harri Lloyd, Oliver Southern, Nathan Peate, Jonny Spittle, Calum Woods, Brad Bauress,Kieran Smith, Steve Leslie, Paul Rutherford, Dave Edwards, Chris Venables.
Pontypridd Town – Morgan Davies, Paul Morgan, Lee Baldock, Vaughan Fowler, David Vincent, Jordan Knott, Aidan Lewis, James Bloom, Drew Fahiya, James Saddler, Taylor Marsh.
Goals: Chris Venables (16), Own Goal (21), Brad Bauress (25), Steve Leslie (55), Paul Rutherford (73)
Substitutes: Bala Town –Sean Smith > Jonny Spittle (55), Danny Walker-Rice>Paul Rutherford (77), Chris Sang > Steve Leslie (77)
Ponypridd Town – Sam Johnson > Vaughan Fowler (31), Corey Jenkins > Taylor Marsh (50), Gavin Beddard > Drew Fahiya (63)
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