Lakesiders fall to disappointing defeat against league leaders at Maes Tegid
The Lakesiders endured back-to-back 4-1 defeats at Maes Tegid as TNS swept to victory and extended their lead at the top to twelve points.
Ben Clark and Blaine Hudson got the ball rolling for the visitors, before Declan McManus and Jordan Williams added further comfort in the second-half to see their side to victory. A late goal for Bala saw Chris Sang grab his first goal in Lakesiders colours but was merely a consolation on a tough night at Maes Tegid.
Clark’s curled effort gives TNS the lead
A fairly even opening to the game, saw both sides create some half chances with Bala’s best opportunity coming through Dave Edwards, yet Ryan Astles managed to intervene and get the ball clear. TNS came close very early on through Clark who managed to burst into the area, but his final pass couldn’t quite find Ryan Brobbel who was free in the area.
It was then Clark who broke the deadlock as the Bala backline failed to get the ball clear following a superb Alex Ramsay double save and the midfielder sliced a half-volley into the top corner moments later.
TNS double their advantage through Hudson
Not long after they got their first, a second was scored by the league leaders. Chris Marriot whipped in a free-kick which was headed on by the towering Hudson to give added comfort to TNS’ lead.
Lassana Mendes tried to fire Bala back into the game as he attempted an effort from outside the box which dipped just over the bar. It was then Edwards that went close moments later for the Lakesiders as he poked a shot that crept past the post.
Ramsay was called into action once more before half-time as he kept Bala in the game preventing Clark from a first-half brace.
Evans’ spectacular effort matched with a super save
Following the break, the Lakesiders had Ramsay to thank once again. The shot-stopper denying Brobbel’s headed effort with an unbelievable reaction save.
It was then Paul Harrison who was called into action as he matched Will Evans’ spectacular overhead kick effort with a superb save to prevent Bala from sparking a comeback.
McManus gets his first from the spot
The Cymru Premier top goal scorer, McManus, got involved in proceedings to kill any hope of a comeback for Bala when he won and converted a TNS penalty to take the visitors three to the good.
A defensive disaster only a couple of minutes later saw TNS grab a fourth with the Lakesiders failing to clear the ball inside our own area and it was then Williams who bundled the ball home to give his team daylight.
Sang gets a late consolation goal
Off the bench and onto the scoresheet came Sang with only five minutes remaining as he grabbed his first goal for Bala with a tidy finish amongst opposition defenders to bring an end to a frustrating night at Maes Tegid.
The Lakesiders will now look to bounce back in South Wales as we face Haverfordwest County next Saturday, December 11th at 14:30pm at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Match Stats: Bala Town - Alex Ramsay, Calum Woods, Anthony Stephens, Sean Smith, Antony Kay, Lassana Mendes, Ollie Shannon, Kieran Smith, Paul Rutherford, Dave Edwards, Will Evans
TNS – Paul Harrison, Chris Marriott, Ryan Astles, Jonathan Routledge, Ryan Brobbel, Blaine Hudson, Danny Redmond, Jordan Williams, Ben Clark, Daniel Davies, Declan McManus
Substitutions:
Bala Town – Oliver Southern > Calum Woods (70), Danny Walker-Rice > Will Evans (72), Chris Sang > Dave Edwards (81)
TNS – Adrian Cieslewicz > Jordan Williams (69), Leo Smith > Ben Clark (79), Louis Robles > Declan McManus (79)
