Lakesiders earn valuable point against the champions
The Lakesiders earned an important point against Cymru Premier champions TNS at Maes Tegid thanks to Nathan Peate’s powerful second-half header.
Jordan Williams gave the champions a perfect start when he put his side ahead in under a minute. Bala were able to put on a competitive display as we went toe-to-toe with the Saints earning a point through Peate’s header following the break.
Williams fires TNS into an early lead
The champions came out the blocks firing in the early stages as they caught the Lakesiders by surprise early on. In under a minute taking the lead through Williams who had the easiest of finishes inside the six-yard area. Bala failing to deal with a cross into the box with the ball finding its way to the Saints attacker who simply tapped home the opener.
Again, it was Williams looking to grab his secure a second minutes later when he was able to pull off a shot to test Alex Ramsay from an awkward angle with the goalkeeper doing enough to keep out TNS this time.
The next opportunity fell to Danny Davies from the opposite side of the goal as he had a chance to fire an effort at Ramsay with plenty of free space. But the fullback was unable to make the most of his chance as Bala blew a sigh of relief.
The Lakesiders have their spell of possession
Following some intense periods of possession by TNS, it was now Bala’s turn to attack. The Lakesiders struck the bar in the wet and windy conditions when Ollie Shannon’s cross from the right flank flew onto the bar via a heavy deflection. A following corner saw Kieran Smith go closest for Bala as he set himself up to unleash a venomous shot which went inches over the bar.
Sean Smith put in a heroic block at the other end of the pitch to stop TNS doubling their advantage on a counter-attack. The left back throwing his body in front of Ben Clark’s shot to see the ball out for a corner from what could have been a certain goal for the visitors.
Peate heads home the equaliser
Following the break, the Lakesiders were level. A corner whipped in by Paul Rutherford meeting our number four in the box as Peate rose highest amongst a crowd of Saints to equalise for Bala.
Bala almost completed a quick turnaround as moments later from a corner on the opposite of the field Will Evans looked to continue his goalscoring run. The winger finding space in the box to get his header away from Brad Bauress’ cross, but Harrison was there to deny him with a great reflex save.
Again, another golden chance came the Lakesiders way. This time Lassana Mendes providing it as he dinked the ball into the path of Shannon who fired straight at the TNS goalkeeper in an opportunity you would expect the midfielder to usually put away.
Brobbel hits the woodwork!
TNS looked to get themselves back ahead entering the last twenty, putting Bala under some intense pressure. Ryan Brobbel went close to scoring his fourth goal against us this season when he looked to fire a fantastic half volley but his effort didn’t have enough dip to reach under the bar as it struck the woodwork.
The bar was there again to deny TNS a victory moments later when Davies cut in onto his left foot before clipping the woodwork with his driven shot at Ramsay.
While Peate almost secured a priceless win against the Saints when again from a corner he got a header away which beat Harrison once again yet this time a TNS player was on the line to save the day for the champions.
With Newtown picking up a win against Penybont, the Lakesiders drop to third on goal difference in the Cymru Premier table. With Bala set take on the Robins next week in what is set to be an unmissable clash in the race for European qualification.
Firstly, the Lakesiders will head to Flintshire to take on the Silkmen at the Essity Stadium looking to retake 2nd place on Friday April 8th with kick-off set for 19:45pm.
Lineups:
Bala Town – Alex Ramsay, Ollie Shannon, Nathan Peate, Antony Kay, Sean Smith, Kieran Smith, Lassana Mendes, Brad Bauress, Paul Rutherford, Dave Edwards, Will Evans
TNS – Paul Harrison, Danny Davies, Keston Davies, Blaine Hudson, Chris Marriott, Alex Denny, Ben Clark, Ryan Brobbel, Daniel Redmond, Jordan Williams, Louis Robles
Substitutions:
TNS – Jonathan Routledge > Alex Denny (62), Adrian Cieslewicz > Louis Robles (82)
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