Bala Town vs Flint Town United Matchday Programme

NIGEL’S NOTES Colin Caton - 700 not out!!

It was another huge milestone for Colin last Saturday when he took charge of the team for the 700th time. It is amazing to realise that he has been with the Club for 18 seasons and has overseen the transformation of the team from the lower levels of the Wrexham area league to the very top of the Welsh Premier League. The long road has been littered with trophies and historic achievements and seemingly every season adds another chapter to the long list of footballing firsts. The Club is so proud of his loyalty, his commitment, his dedication and his unending enthusiasm to create more success and continuation of the upward spiral of achievement! Thank you Colin!!

The resumption of the League after the long lay off has done the Town no favours as we arrive at this afternoon’s fixture on the back of 3 consecutive defeats. To add to the disappointment of these losses we have taken the lead in all 3 of the matches but have

been able to defend that advantage. I am certain that Colin will be working as hard as ever with his team to redress these setbacks and we are all hoping to see a return to winning ways in this crucial last fixture of the first part of the season. We certainly are in need of the points to maintain the gap to 4th place. It will probably turn out to be crucial for European qualification that we can hold on to 3rd spot and a points buffer will be a huge advantage when we return to play the top 6 all over again.

It’s brilliant to see the return of the Academy to play again after the slight relaxation in COVID regulation allowed them back. We do not however have any idea of when spectators will be allowed back into Maes Tegid which is extremely frustrating for all the supporters of the first team and also for the parents of our Academy players. We hope you all understand the regulations we are empowered to apply and the Club desperately looks forward to the return to normality.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

Nigel Aykroyd, Chief Executive

GWASANAETH PÊL-DROED DIGURO UNBEATABLE ON WELSH FOOTBALL CYNGHRAIR Y CENHEDLOEDD UEFA 2020 UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE 2020 CYMRU PREMIER JD CWPAN CYMRU JD JD WELSH CUP CWPAN NATHANIEL MG NATHANIEL MG CUP UWCH GYNGHRAIR MERCHED CYMRU WELSH PREMIER WOMEN’S LEAGUE

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OPPONENT - FLINT TOWN UNITED EST. 1886 HOME: ESSITY STADIUM ABOUT FLINT TOWN UNITED Founded in 1886 as Flint F.C.; playing at Strand Park which was located on the banks of the Dee Estuary. The club made an early impression by reaching the first Welsh Amateur Cup final in 1890–91, losing to Wrexham Victoria 4–1.

Founder members of the North Wales Coast League the club won the inaugural championship in 1893–94 by two points over runners-up Llandudno Swifts, remaining unbeaten in their twelve games. The next two seasons the club finished in the runners-up position before resigning from the league to join the newly formed Flintshire League. By the turn of the century the town of Flint had three teams; Flint Town, Flint Athletic and Flint UAC (United Alkali Company) In 1905, Flint UAC and Flint Town amalgamated, taking the name of Flint Town. In 1909, as a Chester and District League side the club won their first major cup by defeating Pwllheli 1–0 in the final of the North Wales Amateur Cup.

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Flint Town featured in the Welsh National League (North) throughout to 1920s, becoming runners-up to Owestry Town in the 1923–24 season.

In 1930 Flint Town joined the newly formed Welsh League which operated between 1930 and 1935, winning the title in 1933–34 season, scoring 99 goals in only eighteen games.

The 2007–08 season the club was hardly out of the top three, but a bad run of results in March, picking up only three points out of five games and then another bad run, three points out a possible twelve late on in the season put the League Championship out of reach.

Consolation was winning the North Wales Challenge Cup at Colwyn Bay, beating league rivals Prestatyn Town 1–0.

With the reformation of the Welsh Premier League set for the 2010–11 season the club's sole intention for the 2009–10 season was to finish in the top eight. As the season drew to a close the club was nine points ahead, but in the last four league games managed to pick up only five points out of a total of 12, losing the league to Llangefni Town by four points. In the final game of the season the club lost to Llandudno Town 2–0 in the League Cup Final, with Llandudno's keeper Paul Whitfield picking up the "Man of the Match Award".

ALEX RAMSAY

ANDREW BURNS

SEAN SMITH

NATHAN PEATE

ANTHONY STEPHENS

JONNY SPITTLE

RYAN PRYCE

WILL EVANS

HENRY JONES

KIERAN SMITH

STEVE LESLIE

DANIEL GOSSET

JACK MACKRETH

SHAUN KELLY

LASSANA MENDES

CHRIS VENABLES

OLIVER SHANNON

RAUL CORREIA

LIAM DAVIES

HARRI LLOYD

ANTONY KAY

PREVIOUS FIXTURE A nightmare day for The Lakesiders, as Colin Caton hits a milestone 700 games in charge of the club!

BARRY 6 BALA TOWN 2

Following two defeats on the bounce at the hands of Connah’s Quay and Caernarfon Town, The Lakesiders were tasked with a trip down to Barry Town this weekend (27/03/21) with a win for the hosts meaning

they’d secure their place in the Champions Conference, however a win for Bala would take us to within 12 points of table toppers Connah’s Quay. The hosts would also be looking to avenge their 4-0 defeat at Maes Tegid back in October.

Saturday’s game would also set a milestone for Manager Colin Caton, as he took charge of The Lakesiders for the 700th time having been at the club for 19 years!

We got underway at Jenner Park, and all of a sudden it was 1-0 Bala! The Captain Chris Venables headed the ball into the net, after Antony Kay headed the ball across the face of goal, and there was the Captain to head home.

There was a short delay in play after the goal, as Barry’s goalkeeper crashed into the goal, bringing down the net while trying to keep out Venables’ header.

The Lakesiders won a succession of corners, however no chances were created to grab a second.

It wasn’t long until the hosts were back level… A corner swung into the box was headed out by Shaun Kelly, yet the ball came back into the box and headed in by McLaggon from close range. A disappointing way to concede for the Town, having gone infront so early on.

Only three minutes later, and the hosts took the lead! The goal came from a free kick on the right hand side, which went into the path of Evan Press, who had an easy task of heading the ball passed Ramsay, to make it 2-1 to the hosts after just 15 minutes.

Alex Ramsay was called into action after half an hour, as Jordan Cotterill hit a sweet volley down the throat of our number 1, but Ramsay was equal to the strike and collected the ball into his midriff.

Shaun Kelly did well to stop the attack of McLaggon who attempted to enter the Bala box, but Kelly managed to stop him in his tracks and put the ball out for a corner.

The hosts appealed for a penalty with five minutes left of the half, as the ball was flicked over a Bala head and the Barry man tumbled to the floor, however the referee waved the appeals away.

Despite the late pressure by Bala, the hosts went in with a 2-1 lead at half time, after going infront early on, two goals in the space of three minutes turned the game on its head.

We got back underway for the second half, and it didn’t take long for the hosts to extend their lead… just five minutes into the second half, Chris Hugh was handed a tap in as a mistake at the back gave the Barry left back a clear run on goal, with an empty net to shoot at he poked the ball home to give his side a 3-1 lead.

Jack Mackreth tried to claw a goal back minutes later, as he hit a sweet strike towards goal, but Mike Lewis pulled off a good save to concede a corner.

It could of been four on 57 minutes, as Jordan Cotterill’s shot was saved by Ramsay, with the ball still heading towards the goal line, however Shaun Kelly was there to clear the ball off the line.

Both Mendes and Shannon tested the hands of the Barry keeper, but the keeper was equal to both efforts.

It got worse for Bala, as the hosts grabbed their fourth on 65 minutes, with McLaggon grabbing his second goal of the game with a close range effort after the initial save from Ramsay, despite the clearance off the line by a Bala defender, the ball was deemed to have crossed the line as Barry made it 4-1.

Only five minutes later, and it was FIVE for the hosts…

Evan Press also grabbing his brace as he found himself with space inside the box, and all there was to do was smash home to make it 5-1.

Another goal came just three minutes later, and thankfully it was Bala who scored it! Kieran Smith was in the right place, right time to hit home from close range after the initial save from Lewis was parried out towards Smith who had the task of just tapping the ball home. 5-2 to the hosts now, with 15 minutes left of the game.

Any glimmer of hope for Bala was washed away with 10 minutes to go, as the substitute Curtis Hutson came on and hit a sweet half volley on the edge of the box, right into the bottom left hand corner of the net, making it 6-2 to the hosts.

PREVIOUS FIXTURE

BARRY 6 BALA TOWN 2

The nightmare finished with the hosts running out 6-2 winners, meaning they’d secured their spot in the Champions Conference. A bad day at the office for Bala, with mistakes proving costly in the end.

We now look on to finishing Phase 1 on a high note, with Flint Town travelling to Maes Tegid on Easter Friday which will complete Phase 1, as focus will then turn to the Champions Conference!

Substitutions: Kieran Smith (68), Jonny Spittle (73).

Yellow Cards: Nathan Peate (15), Lassana Mendes (60), Jack Mackreth (90)

#1

CHRIS VENABLES 20 APPS 16 GOALS 2 ASSIST

#2

WILL EVANS 21 APPS 11 GOALS 3 ASSISTS

#3

SEAN SMITH 19 APPS 1 GOAL 5 ASSISTS

#4

LASSANA MENDES 11 APPS 1 GOAL 5 ASSISTS

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FIXTURES

SEPTEMBER SUN 20 SUN 27 WED 30

CEFN DRUIDS PENYBONT FC THE NEW SAINTS

OCTOBER

2-1 W 1-5 W 2-2 D

NOVEMBER SAT 07 SAT 14 FRI 20 FRI 27

THE NEW SAINTS PENYBONT ABERYSTWYTH NEWTOWN

SAT 03 FRI 09 TUE 13 SAT 17 TUES 20 SAT 31

HAVERFORDWEST ABERYSTWYTH BARRY TOWN UTD NEWTOWN FLINT TOWN HAVERFORD WEST

1-2 L 5-2 W 4-0 W 0-2 W 1-2 W 1-1 D

DECEMBER 1-1 D 4-1 W PP 3-1 W

SAT 01 SAT 05 WED 09 SAT 12

CAERNARFON TOWN CARDIFF MET UNI ABERYSTWYTH CARDIFF MET

1-1 D 1-1 D 1-2 W 4-1 W

MARCH SAT 06 SAT 13 TUE 16 SAT 20 SAT 27

THE NEW SAINTS CEFN DRUIDS CQ NOMADS CAERNARFON BARRY TOWN

0-0 D 1-3 W 1-3 L 1-2 L 6-2 L

SPONSORS

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SMITHY GARAGE Bala Town are so grateful for the tremendous support which Smithy Garage of Dyffryn Ardudwy have given the Club over so many years. We are delighted that they continue to sponsor the Club's playing shorts and last year went a huge step further when they kindly agreed to sponsor our Academy's Head of Coaching car.

This is so important for the development of our youth players and for the roll which he provides to our Community programmes.

Smithy Garage offers a whole range of vehicle services and we would be delighted if our supporters could look them up whenever there is any vehicular requirements. Car/Van sales, MOT's, Servicing, Body Repair etc!

Thank you most sincerely on behalf of us all at Maes Tegid.

Long may our relationship together continue!

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PLAYER SPONSORS Player Sponsorship is on a first come first served basis.

First team players £75.00 and at the end of the season, you will receive their match-worn shirt (home or away).

Higher bids or offers will be accepted. Once the money has been paid, the sponsorship is sold and no further offers will be accepted.

Andrew Burns – Emma Whitehouse Raul Correia – Gwyn & Jackie Penucha Colin Caton – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Ffiona Evans – Arwel, Michelle, Hannah & Naomi Will Evans – Sion and John Roberts Stephen Fisher – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Danny Gosset – Brian and Teresa Whitehouse

Henry Jones – Cigydd Bala Butcher – www.balabutcher.co.uk Steve Leslie – Evan Horwood Harri Lloyd – Felix Ospelt, Vaduz Lassana Mendes – Lee, George, Chris & Foxy Lee Molyneux – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Nathan Peate – Kevin Swire Alex Ramsay – Cigydd Bala Butcher – www.balabutcher.co.uk Ollie Shannon – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Kieran Smith – Jonah Armstrong Sean Smith – Peter Spitzmaul Jonny Spittle – Ado Vogt & Gee Gi, Liechtenstein Anthony Stephens – Katie & Matthew Spitzmaul Ryan Valentine – Top Personalised Gifts – www.toppersonalisedgifts.co.uk Chris Venables – Barry Yates & Stewart Venables Llyr Morris – Clwyd Williams, Family Butchers Llandyrnog Liam Davies – TBC Shaun Kelly – TBC Antony Kay – Marianne Taft

THANK YOU

700 GAMES

COLIN CATON REACHES 700 GAME MILESTONE!

Despite the result on Saturday afternoon, a huge milestone was hit for Manager Colin Caton!

The match against Barry Town on Saturday (27/03/21) would see Colin Caton take charge of his 700th game as Manager of the Club! An absolutely unbelievable achievement!

Back in the season of

2003/2004, Colin would never have imagined the Managerial Career he was about to embark on…

In his first season as Manager of the club, he pulled off a League and Cup double, with Bala winning promotion to the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance having being crowned Champions of the Wrexham Area Premier League, along with a NEWFA Challenge Cup win over Buckley FC. Fast forward five seasons later… The Club had reached NINE finals, and collected SEVEN pieces of silverware!

Although the biggest win of them all, was being crowned Champions of the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance! Meaning in six seasons, with Colin Caton at the helm, the club had achieved two promotions, collected TEN pieces of silverware and reached 12 finals! An unbelieveable achievement for Colin and

the Club, with the focus now being to remain in Welsh Football’s top division!

It took until the 11-12 season for Colin to make his mark on the Welsh Premier League, with a respectable 5th place finish after three seasons in the top divison. The club also reached the Europa League Playoff Final, but fell short with a 2-1 defeat to Llanelli.

The 12-13 season was a monumental season for Colin and the Club, as a 7th place finish would give them the chance to compete in the Europa League Playoffs, and again Bala would make the final! This time round, it was elation for the club against Port Talbot, as the game entered it’s final minutes, John Irving raced onto a loose ball inside the box, and hit a thunderbolt into the bottom left hand corner!

Bala would hang on through the final minutes of the game to qualify for the Europa League and bring tears of joy to everyone involved within the club, even Colin himself!

Colin and Bala would start the 13-14 season with a Europa League First Qualifying Round tie against Estonian side Levadia Tallin, where even more history was made! The first leg took place at Rhyl FC’s Belle Vue stadium, where a 4th minute goal from Ian Sheridan was the difference between the two sides, and handed Bala their first triumph in a European Competition! Despite the aggregate lead going into the second leg in Estonia, Levadia Tallin progressed to the Second Qualifying Round with a 3-0 win on the day, and an aggregate score of 3-1. However it would be a very proud moment for the club, having competed in a European competition for the first time in their history!

A succession of 2nd place league finishes was achieved in the 14/15 and 15/16 season, however a cruel last minute goal from Differdange 03 in the second leg of a Europa League First Qualifying Round, knocked The Town out of the competition with a 4-3 aggregate win at Rhyl FC’s Belle Vue stadium in the 15/16 season. However this was just the start of the European adventures for Colin and the club…

In the summer of 2016, Colin saw the biggest off the field change, as Maes Tegid had an upgrade! A brand new

synthetic 3G pitch was installed, meaning no more waterlogged pitches throughout the harsh winter months!

The 16/17 season was a memorable year for Colin and the Club, as a piece of silverware landed at Maes Tegid!

However, earlier in the same season, Bala competed in the Europa League once again! This time, Bala were drawn against Swedish giants AIK in the First Qualifying Round. Despite a 4-0 aggregate win for the Swedish side, Bala held their head high and were proud of the performance against the calibre of opposition. The Lakesiders then headed into the league campaign and finished a respectable 3rd place, however it was the cup competition that proved pivotal, as a late bullet header from Kieran Smith captured the JD Welsh Cup in a 2-1 victory over The New Saints at Bangor City’s Nantporth Stadium.

Since then, the club have qualified for the Europa League on three different occasions! Twice crashing out at the first hurdle to FC Vaduz of Liechtenstein and Tre Fiori of San Marino. Another history making moment came this present season. As the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year meaning the 19/20 season was curtailed, while Bala Town were sitting in 3rd place, which meant European Qualification once again! Bala were then drawn away to Maltese side Valletta FC in the Europa League First Qualifying Round, and due to the situation it would be played as a one legged tie.

Therefore Bala travelled to Malta in August of last year in the scorching Maltese heat, and managed to overcome the Maltese giants in a 1-0 win courtesy of a Chris Venables goal late into the first half. Meaning Bala Town had reached the Second Qualifying Round of the Europa League for the first time in their history, with possible opponents being AC Milan, Rangers, Aberdeen, Tottenham Hotspur, Galatasaray and Standard Liege…

The draw was made, and the club were handed a glamour tie against Belgian giants Standard Liege! Colin and Bala were off to Belgium!

Despite the Belgian side grabbing a 2-0 victory, the club could not be prouder of the job that Colin and the lads had done, after putting on an impressive display against the calibre of Standard Liege, it had been an unbelievable European adventure for everyone involved, and we all can’t wait for the next!

Now, after 700 games in charge of the club – Colin Caton has Bala sitting in 3rd place, and is preparing for the final game of Phase 1 in the 2020/2021 season, with Flint Town due to travel to Maes Tegid this Easter Friday (02/04/21) Colin’s 700th game in charge did not go the way he would of wanted, but you have to take the highs and lows in Football and Friday evening is a good opportunity to bounce back!

Chief Executive Nigel Aykroyd congratulated Colin on his milestone with this in both English and Welsh: “Huge congratulations to Colin on his epic milestone of 700 matches in charge at Bala Town. 18 years at the helm of the Club is truly a remarkable achievement. The considerable successes which he has recorded along this very long winding road are an everlasting testament to his outstanding ability, loyalty and dedication to Bala Town. The long winding road has still a long way to go!

Thanks Col.” “Llongyfarchiadau enfawr i Colin ar ei garreg filltir epig o 700 gêm fel rheolwr o Clwb Pel-Droed Y Bala. Mae 18 mlynedd fel rheolwr y Clwb yn gyflawniad rhyfeddol.

Mae’r llwyddiannau sylweddol y mae wedi eu cofnodi ar hyd y ffordd droellog hir iawn hon, yn dyst bythol i’w allu rhagorol, ei deyrngarwch a’i ymroddiad i Clwb Pel-Droed Y Bala. Mae gan y ffordd droellog hir ffordd bell i fynd eto!

Diolch Col”.