Bala Town vs Penybont - Matchday Programme

MATCHDAY THIRTY TWO - MAES TEGID > CYMRU PREMIER CHAMPIONS CONFERENCE 12:45 / 23.04.2022 > MATCHDAY THIRTY TWO ISSUE TWENTY ONE > BALA TOWN VS PENYBONT

BALA TOWN

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O F F I C I A L

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BALA TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICIALS LIST SWYDDOGION CLWB PEL-DROED TREF Y BALA Director Of Football & Head Coach / Cyfarwyddwr Pel-Droed & Prif Hyfforddwr: Colin Caton Assistant Head Coach / Prif Hyfforddwr Cynorthwyol: Stephen Fisher & Ryan Valentine Goal Keeping Coach / Hyffordwr Gôl Geidwad: Harri Lloyd Club Doctor / Meddyg y Clwb: Dr Christopher Jordan Physios / Ffisios: Ffiona Evans Strength & Conditioning / Cryfder a Chyflyru: Nicolas Jones Academy Director / Cyfarwyddwr Academi: Carwyn Edwards President / Llywydd: Joe Roberts Vice President / Is Lywydd: Ted Edwards Chairman / Cadeirydd: Arwel Roberts Chief Executive / Prif Weithredwr: Nigel Aykroyd General Secretary, Finance Director & Licensing Officer / Ysgrifennydd Cyffredinol, Cyfarwyddwr Cyllidol a Swyddog Trwyddedu: Ruth Crump Media Officer & Web-site / Swyddog Cyfryngau & Wefan: Joe Taft Head of Security / Pennaeth Diogelwch: Sion Roberts Commercial Director / Cyfarwyddwr Masnachol: Arwel Ll Jones Supporters Liaison Officer / Swyddog Cyswllt y Cefnogwyr: Dion Jones Disability Liaison Officer / Swyddog Cyswllt Anabledd: Cai Aykroyd Safeguarding Officer / Swyddog Diogelu: Nerys Whitley Covid Officer & 3G Manager / Swyddog Covid & Rheolwr y 3G: Gillian Evans Sub Committees / Is-Bwyllgorau Ruth Crump, Nigel Aykroyd, Ken Edwards, Don Lund, Gwyn Jones, Arwel Roberts, Carol Rowlands, Beryl Hanmer, Ted Edwards, R. F. Jones, Graham Martindale, Glyn Roberts, Arwel Lloyd Jones, Elwyn Rowlands, Gill Evans, Rob Davies, Ian Jones, Janet Blaszkiewicz, Barry Yates, Mark Watkins, Amanda Reed, John Roberts, Sion Roberts, Rhian Williams.

Nigel Aykroyd Interview | Bala Town vs Penybont

NIGEL’S NOTES N I G E L AY K R OY D

What a year, what an achievement, what’s next? to be continued...

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Nigel Aykroyd Interview | Bala Town vs Penybont

Well what a way to start to write my last programme notes of the season!! European qualification for the 8th time in 10 years after our brilliant back to back wins over the Easter weekend. The victory on Good Friday over Newtown really put us in pole position for the coveted 2nd spot and a superb win away at Caernarfon then confirmed that prize when Newtown were beaten by TNS. It really is a fairytale achievement by our small Club to continue to punch above our weight and to rewrite the history books year after year.

It has not been a season without its trials and tribulations and for a long period of time we struggled to make an impact on the race for Europe. However Colin and his team certainly got their act together after the Christmas Covid break and went on an outstanding run which enabled us to achieve the dream outcome.

We have been in outstanding form and that confidence has translated throughout the Club with the spirit amongst everyone being revitalised by the strength of our performances on the pitch. We can now really enjoy our last match of the season this Saturday, celebrate in style our achievements and have a brilliant end of season get together after the match.

It is another season to remember, another significant milestone for our Club and a superb performance not just by the players on the field but by each and everyone concerned with the Club.

I have to express my gratitude to Colin Caton in his 19th season in charge of the team. He surpassed 750 matches in charge and is the rock upon which the Club is built. But then we have so many others whose work is fundamental in ensuring that the success on the pitch is matched by the success off the pitch. Our Club Secretary and Treasurer Ruth Crump works tirelessly in very challenging situations to ensure that critical Licenses are achieved and she is backed up by our Chairman Arwel Roberts who leads a fantastic team of hard working volunteers to run the

Management Committee. Joe Taft and his media team do a brilliant job in bringing our success into the big wide world. Diolch pawb wir!!

The Club however is not just the 1st team and the work that also goes on to run our brilliant Reserves team and to administer our thriving Academy section is considerable as well. Al Kip has been superb in his efforts to advance our Reserve team and they will all be a big part of out after match celebrations this afternoon.

Carwyn Edwards runs an Academy of over 150 youngsters and faces difficult challenges throughout but performs exceptionally well and we improve our standards year on year.

There are so so many individuals who make up the success of this Club and I salute and thank each and everyone for their contributions.

d y o r k y A .

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ALEX RAMSAY > GOALKEEPER

BALA TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB > CYMRU PREMIER LEAGUE 2021/2022 SQUAD > WE ARE THE LAKESIDERS

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CALUM WOODS > DEFENDER

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SEAN SMITH > DEFENDER

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NATHAN PEATE > DEFENDER

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ANTHONY STEPHENS > DEFENDER

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JONNY SPITTLE > DEFENDER

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LASSANA MENDES > MIDFIELDER

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WILL EVANS > FORWARD

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DANNY WALKER-RICE > FORWARD

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KIERAN SMITH > MIDFIELDER

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PAUL RUTHERFORD > FORWARD

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ANTONY KAY > MIDFIELDER

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BRAD BAURESS > MIDFIELDER

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DAVE EDWARDS > MIDFIELDER

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OLIVER SHANNON > MIDFIELDER

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CHRIS VENABLES > FORWARD

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HARRI LLOYD > GOALKEEPER

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Player Sponsors | Bala Town vs Penybont

As we bring our 2021/22 season to a close, we would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored a Player or Backroom Staff this season. Your support throughout the season has proved pivotal as the club secured European football for yet another season, and we cannot thank you enough! Diolch!

Player Sponsorships Alex Ramsay – Accounts & Tax Advice LTD Harri Lloyd – Ado Vogt and Gee Levy Calum Woods – Available Jonny Spittle – Marianne & Nick Taft and Barry & Tracy Agger Nathan Peate – Chris Burrows, George Jones, Lee Parry & Foxy Anthony Stephens – Available Antony Kay – Accounts & Tax Advice LTD Sean Smith – Gwyn and Jackie Jones (Penucha) Ollie Southern – Available Kieran Smith – Stuart Venables Dave Edwards – Barry Yates Steve Leslie – Available Oliver Shannon – Alan Lee (True You FC) Will Evans – John & Sion Roberts Paul Rutherford – Chris Burrows, George Jones, Lee Parry & Foxy Lassana Mendes – Accounts & Tax Advice LTD Danny Walker-Rice – Available Chris Sang – Available

Chris Venables – Peter Spitzmaul Colin Caton – Ado Vogt and Gee Levy Stephen Fisher – Ado Vogt and Gee Levy Ryan Valentine – Ado Vogt and Gee Levy Ffiona Evans – Gwyn and Jackie Jones (Penucha) Nick Jones – Ado Vogt and Gee Levy Please get in contact with either Nigel at nigel. aykroyd@aykroyds.co.uk or Arwel at armano9@btinternet.com if you are interested in sponsoring a first team player for the 2021/2022 season.

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Get to know Penybont | Bala Town vs Penybont

Club Name: Penybont FC Established: 1920 Home: SDM Glass Stadium (Capacity 3000) Nickname: Bont

Penybont are a semi-professional side who until 2013 were known as Bridgend Town and play their home matches at the SDM Glass Stadium, which has an artificial grass pitch which was installed in 2014.

The Bridgend side announced their application for a Football Association of Wales Domestic License for the Cymru Premier in 2015, meaning they were committed to improving their facilities in order to make the club applicable for promotion to the top division.

The Bont were then promoted to the Cymru Premier in 2019, after beating off promotion rivals Cambrian & Clydach Vale B.&G.C. and Cwmamman United AFC. Penybont finished in 4th place in last season’s Cymru Premier season, meaning they earned a European Play-Off place, where they would eventually face 7th place Newtown in the SemiFinal, however a late goal from Newtown dumped Penybont out of the Play-Off, bringing an end to their season.

This season, Penybont reached the JD Welsh Cup Final having ‘unfortunately’ beat the Lakesiders on a penalty shootout win at Aberystwyth Town’s Park Avenue stadium. It is the first time the club have made the Final, after only making the Semi Final stage on two occasions, in 1977 and 2009 as Bridgend Town. Bont face The New Saints in the final, who are the current holders due to the COVID pandemic which halted the competition for two seasons.

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Get to know Penybont| Bala Town vs Penybont

Penybont Form Since the half way point of the Cymru Premier season, Penybont have really struggled to pick up any form with no wins in their last six, and not a single point either. Despite having a poor end to the season, they still have a JD Welsh Cup Final to look forward to, however they will be without one of their star men in Mael Davies, who was ruled out for the rest of the season following the Cymru C vs England C match in March.

Bont last picked up three points on the 22nd of March when they managed a 2-1 win at the home of Newtown, but since the split have only managed that singular win. They have also conceded 21 goals in just nine league games, and only managed to net six goals.

(H) Flint Town 0-3 – Cymru Premier MD31 (A) Caernarfon Town 1-0 – Cymru Premier MD30 (H) The New Saints 1-2 – Cymru Premier MD29 (H) Newtown 0-2 – Cymru Premier MD28 (H) Bala Town 0-5 – Cymru Premier MD27 (A) Flint Town 1-0 – Cymru Premier MD26

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The Penybont Dangerman | Bala Town vs Penybont Name: Sam Snaith Position: Forward The 21 year old Forward has enjoyed a decent season with the Bont, having netted nine league goals this season, which includes two goals against the Lakesiders in Phase 1 of the Cymru Premier. On many occasions he’s shown what he can do against us this season, with his big build he can compete with some of the league’s top defenders in the box. With Penybont lacking options as they head into their JD Welsh Cup Final on May 1st, Sam Snaith could start today’s game to try and push for a positive result to take back down South, ahead of their Cup Final with The New Saints. Should he start today, we think he’ll prove a threat inside the box with his height, should the South Wales side look to hit the by-line and send crosses into the box.

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2021/22 Cymru Premier League Fixtures | Bala Town vs Penybont Bala Town 2-2 Penybont – 14/08/21 Barry Town 0-0 Bala Town - 21/08/21 Bala Town 0-0 Cardiff Met – 28/08/21 Aberystwyth Town 0-1 Bala Town – 31/08/21 Bala Town 6-2 Haverfordwest County – 11/09/21 Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-1 Bala Town – 18/09/21 Flint Town 1-2 Bala Town – 02/10/21 Bala Town 1-1 Cefn Druids – 09/10/21 The New Saints 2-1 Bala Town – 12/10/21 Bala Town 3-3 Barry Town – 23/10/21 Penybont 1-0 Bala Town – 30/10/21 Bala Town 0-4 Connah’s Quay Nomads – 05/11/21 Newtown 3-3 Bala Town – 09/11/21 Bala Town 3-1 Flint Town – 19/11/21 Bala Town 1-4 The New Saints – 03/12/21 Haverfordwest County 0-0 Bala Town – 11/12/21 Cefn Druids 3-5 Bala Town – 17/12/21 Cardiff Met 0-0 Bala Town – 22/01/22 Bala Town 1-0 Newtown – 28/01/22 Bala Town 3-0 Caernarfon Town – 04/02/22 Caernarfon Town 3-3 Bala Town – 12/02/22 Bala Town 2-2 Aberystwyth Town – 26/02/22 ***SPLIT*** Newtown 0-2 Bala Town – 04/03/22 The New Saints 2-1 Bala Town – 08/03/22 Bala Town 3-2 Flint Town United – 11/03/22 Bala Town 2-0 Caernarfon Town – 25/03/22 Penybont 0-5 Bala Town – 02/04/22 Bala Town 1-1 The New Saints – 05/04/22 Flint Town United 0-1 Bala Town – 08/04/22 Bala Town 1-0 Newtown – 15/04/22 Caernarfon Town 0-2 Bala Town – 18/04/22 Bala Town vs Penybont – 23/04/22

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CWPAN Y BRAGDY 2022

Ar ôl 3 blynedd mae'r twrnament hanesyddol yn ôl!

After 3 years the historic tournament is back!

Bydd ceisiadau'r tîmau yn cau Ebrill 24ain..

Bydd y twrnament yn dechrau ganol mis Mai Ceisiadau ysgrifenedig i gynnwys enw’r tîm a manylion cyswllt naill ai i: Team entries will close April 24th Tournament will begin in mid-May. Entries in writing to include team name and contact details to either: Nigel Aykroyd nigel.aykroyd@aykroyds.co.uk – 07710 931198 Arwel Roberts Ty Nant arweltynant@gmail.com – 07534 000664

Match Sponsors | Bala Town vs Penybont The Club sincerely wish to thank the Martin Evans Group for their most generous sponsorship of today’s match. Martin Evans Group LTD offer the best agricultural contracting services in the Shropshire area, as they pride themselves on providing high quality machinery to maintain the levels of efficiency and reliability to their customers. For further information on Martin Evans Group LTD, check out their Facebook Page at Martin LTD. Our Sponsors areEvans theGroup lifeblood of our Club and I must once again

sincerely thank our Match sponsors this A.N Richards We are hugely indebted to our SponsorsDay for their support as they are a evening significant part of maintaining the Club’s success and improving our standards year on year.

Ltd, Froncysyllte, Llangollen.

Please visit their website for all your transport needs and servicing! We are indebted to this brilliant Company for their support to the Club over many years and are delighted to welcome representatives of the Company to Maes Tegid this evening. Thank you so much on behalf of all of us at Bala Town.

My considerable thanks to A.N. Richards Ltd for your superb sponsorship of the match this evening. The Club is indebted for your generosity and continued support.

www.anrichards.com

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Previous Meeting | Bala Town vs Penybont

Will Evans Hits Hat-Trick As Lakesiders Run Riot Against Penybont

A mistake at the back seeing Kane Owen head the ball into the path of Evans who had the simplest task of finding the net as he grabbed a two-minute brace.

Will Evans was the star of the show at the SDM Glass Stadium as he continued his fine form to score a hat-trick in a 5-0 Lakesiders win against Penybont.

Ramsay denies Snaith from close range

Two goals in two minutes from Evans set Bala well on their way to victory before Chris Venables added the third heading into halftime. Evans then completed his hat-trick from the spot following the break while Dean Ebbe added further misery on the hosts with his added-time goal. beaten the keeper, but the defender was there to Will Evans scores two in two minutes!

On the back of a brace scored in mid-week, Evans entered the six-pointer against Penybont with sky-high confidence. This was on full display when he aimed a curled effort for the top corner early on, but the ball went just past the wrong side of the post.

It didn’t take him long to get his goal however as the Wales international played a one-two with Ebbe before firing the ball right into the bottom corner. Straight after the restart, he made it two.

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It was then our other Wales international’s turn to show off his capabilities as Alex Ramsay pulled off a great save to deny Sam Snaith’s powerful header from six yards out.

The Lakesiders were in dreamland thirty minutes in as Venables made it three to the good for Colin Caton’s men. The captain anticipating a cross which the Bont defence failed to deal with as he patiently controlled the ball before planting it home in his usual fashion. Half-time shortly arrived not long after a few more dangerous attacks with a three-goal advantage to show for Bala’s dominant first-half display.

Will Evans is a hat-trick hero Not long after the break, Evans received the opportunity to complete his hat-trick from the spot. The penalty was awarded against Owen who handled the ball with his arm in an unnatural position. Our number eight stood up and found the back of the net with his shot having too much power for the palms of Ashley Morris. A first senior hat-trick for Evans to complete an unforgettable week for the 24-year-old.

Previous Meeting | Bala Town vs Penybont Unbelievably, it was almost four for Evans minutes later as he had an effort saved from close range by the former Lakesiders goalkeeper.

Again, Bala looked to draw more blood. This time off the bench Ollie Shannon wanted to add his name to the scoresheet with a powerful effort from range which stung the palms of Morris before Ebbe was unable to convert the rebound.

Ebbe makes it a FIVE-star performance!

The pair then combined in added time to complete a perfect performance as Ebbe added to his account for the season with a goal assisted

by Shannon. Some great link-up play in the buildup to create the chance that secured our biggest league win of the season.

The Lakesiders remain second but now go six points clear of Penybont. Five games remain with the league leaders up next for Bala.

Line-ups: Bala Town – Alex Ramsay, Oliver Southern, Nathan Peate, Antony Kay, Sean Smith, Kieran Smith, Dave Edwards, Paul Rutherford, Will Evans, Dean Ebbe, Chris Venables Penybont – Ashley Morris, Liam Walsh, Kane Owen, Daniel Jeffries, Lewis Harling, Billy Borge, Lewis Clutton, Ryan Reynolds, Sam Snaith, Nathan Wood, Ben Ahmun Subsitutions: Bala Town - Ollie Shannon > Chris Venables (45), Lassana Mendes > Will Evans (72), Brad Bauress > Paul Rutherford (73), Jonny Spittle > Oliver Southern (77), Anthony Stephens > Kieran Smith (87) Penybont – Tom Tweedy > Ben Ahmun (45), Kostya Georgievsky > Liam Walsh (71), Luke Florence Lewis Harling (79)

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Business Advertisements | Bala Town vs Penybont Bala Town are so grateful for the tremendous support which the 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 role which he provides to our community programmes. Smithy Garage offers a whole range of vehicle services and we would be delighted if our loyal supporters could look them up whenever there is any vehicular requirements.

Car/Van Sales - MOT’s - Servicing - Body Repairs Thank you most sincerely on behalf of us all at Maes Tegid. Long may our relationship together continue!

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Season Review | Bala Town vs Penybont

After a season of highs and lows, we take a look back at the last eight months which ultimately see’s the Lakesiders awaiting their next European adventure.

Our 2021/22 season began at Park Hall as we looked to progress in back-to-back European campaigns with the Lakesiders drawn against Northern Irish side Larne. We would face the team that finished 4th in the NIFL Premiership first at Park Hall in the home leg which Colin Caton’s men would lose 1-0. David McDaid was the goalscorer that day as he pounced on a mistake by Anthony Stephens to give his side the advantage ahead of the second leg. Larne would successfully defend their aggregate lead and add to it late on at Inver Park. As much as Bala fought looking to bring the tie level, it was Ronan Hale who broke all hope with his wonder goal late on in Northern Ireland.

Our attention then turned to domestic ventures.

We edged past Flint Town on penalties to start our season off. This was followed by a tough start in the league which saw the Lakesiders draw our first three opening games of the Cymru Premier. It was then at Park Avenue that our campaign really kicked into action. As we battled out a 1-0 victory over Aberystwyth that night to raise spirits ahead of a long season.

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The Lakesiders make history at Maes Tegid in the Welsh Cup The goals soon began to flow in at Maes Tegid.

Over the course of a week, Bala managed to score an unbelievable sum of 23 goals in total across the Welsh Cup and Cymru Premier. First came the hammering of Brymbo at Maes Tegid as we ran out 17-1 winners over the Steelmen. A collection of stunners scored by Danny WalkerRice, Chris Venables and Paul Rutherford was topped off by a halfway line effort by Steve Leslie in the final goal of an unforgettable game.

Then came another goal frenzy affair with the visit of Haverfordwest as Bala conquered the Bluebirds 6-2. Confidence was at an all-time high when we visited the home of the champions.

This was evident in a rare Lakesiders victory on Deeside thanks to summer signing Dave Edwards who placed an inch-perfect free-kick into the top corner helping us seal a 1-0 win against the Nomads. He would go on to win ‘Player of the Month’ in standout time for the player who was loving life at Maes Tegid.

Dave Edwards scores injury-time winner to complete comeback against high-flying Flint Following progression in both domestic cups, the task of facing second-placed Flint Town

Season Review | Bala Town vs Penybont was up next. With an opportunity to leapfrog our opponents with a win, motivation was key at the Essity Stadium. The Lakesiders never gave up having gone one-nil down to our opposition, as Bala completed a late comeback to defeat the Silkmen. Edwards scored a dramatic last gasp winner to send us second that night.

he can do. His debut saw us thrash our Gwynedd rivals 3-0 with the help of an Ollie Shannon brace.

We then closed out Phase One finishing in sixth position, securing our place in the Championship Conference.

A rocky period of our season came three months in. A run of seven games without a win hit a low blow to a Lakesiders team that had just started to find its groove. This run of games included a draw to pointless Cefn Druids as well as conceding a hammering to Connah’s Quay at Maes Tegid. Bala were able to toughen out the heavy period to shift focus to the New Year. We entered the Christmas break in a disappointing 6th place position with work to do heading into 2022...

A new look Bala, with a striker pairing of a returning Venables and Ebbe, worked a treat for Caton.

A confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Newtown to kick off the Championship Conference was exactly what Bala needed to give real hope of a successful season. That night we witnessed the Lakesiders manage the game to perfection to ensure a priceless three points.

New Year, New Bala At the turn of the year, the Lakesiders looked a side rejuvenated. A win over 2nd place Newtown in late January could be seen as a turning point in Bala’s season. Evans scored in first-half addedtime that night with a brilliant volley to motivate his side ahead of back-to-back Derby games.

Then came the signing of Dean Ebbe, the man that would strike fear into the eyes of our opponents.

His first victim was Caernarfon Town. It took only 35 minutes for our new No9 to show exactly what

The Championship Conference

Having crashed out of the Nathaniel MG Cup semi-finals to eventual winners Connah’s Quay, the Lakesiders looked to seize the Welsh Cup instead. A cup final appeared on the horizon following our quarter-final win over Aberystwyth.

However, we would be drawn against a side we had predominately struggled against this season in Penybont.

Our luck remained against us in the semi-finals of another domestic cup competition as we would bow out on penalties. Bont made no mistakes from the spot to earn their place in the final that gloomy night at Park Avenue.

Attention turned back to the league for the Lakesiders, and having given impressive

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Season Review | Bala Town vs Penybont back-to-back performances against TNS and Flint Town, it was time to take on the Cofis once more. Ebbe was back to haunt Caernarfon at Maes Tegid with his fourth goal against them this campaign while Shannon scored in injury-time to help Bala to another successful Derby day.

Will Evans the catalyst as he boosts Bala If the Lakesiders were to achieve European qualification it was games such as at the SDM Glass Stadium that would really tell come the end of the season. There were doubts as to whether Caton’s men could conquer what would be our ‘boogie team’ in the 2021/22 season having failed to beat the Bont all season. Up until now, Evans continued to shine following a successful week in the limelight. A week that started with him scoring a brace for his country, ended with him grabbing his first senior hat-trick for the Lakesiders. The winger in mesmerising form as scored three in our 5-0 thrashing of the Bont.

We followed up on that with an impressive point against the newly crowned champions. A rotated squad gave TNS a run for their money at Maes Tegid and could even have won on another night.

Yet a point was enough to keep our hunt for European qualification well and truly alive.

A spanner was thrown into the works in a crucial away game in Flintshire when Bala were brought down to ten men to defend a lead against the Silkmen. A controversial sending-off which was later overturned the following week wasn’t enough to stop the Lakesiders as we secured a vital victory at the Essity Stadium.

Venables scores stunner as the Lakesiders snatch second A six-pointer against Newtown awaited the Lakesiders in a match that had huge implications involving European qualification. Both sides entered the match level on points, with only two games remaining to follow. With the Robins still having to face TNS, it appeared a must-win match for the visitors. While for Bala, we couldn’t afford

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to allow Chris Hughes’ team to have control in their hands entering the remaining couple of games.

Following a competitive first-half, the Lakesiders entered half-time all square. The game called for a moment of magic if either side was to leave Maes Tegid victorious, and that’s when who else, but Chris Venables. Our legendary figure scoring a legendary goal as he pulled off a bicycle kick to break the deadlock and clinch us a gigantic win over our rivals for 2nd place. The three points took us within reach of European qualification knowing Newtown would have to match our result on bank holiday Monday if they were to keep their hopes alive.

Lakesiders secure Europe with Derby day victory It was Caernarfon who Bala were up against in our penultimate game of the season. Knowing if Newtown dropped points and we won, then European qualification would be ours. It had to be the man who had already fond memories from The Oval this season who broke the deadlock.

Evans heading home from close range to give us an essential lead. Not long after, Ebbe provided a trademark run as well as his usual clinical finish to double our advantage and set us on our way to a European tour with news of TNS beating Newtown starting to filter through.

When the full-time whistle came, celebrations followed. The Lakesiders had done it, following a whirlwind season; European qualification was ours for a third year running. Now our reward awaits, another European adventure to add to the passport, coming soon, Summer 2022.

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Previous Match Report | Bala Town vs Penybont

Lakesiders Secure Europe With Derby Day Victory A comfortable 2-0 Derby day win over Caernarfon sealed the Lakesiders 2nd place and European qualification at The Oval.

The victory secured a Championship Conference double over the Cofis thanks to goals by Dean Ebbe and Will Evans. The three points obtained mean Bala clinch 2nd place ahead of Saturday’s final game of the season, confirming our place in Europe for a third campaign in a row.

Caernarfon forced into an early change A few minutes into the game the Cofis were struck with an early setback as Josef Faux was forced off the field with an injury. The midfielder had previously caused the Lakesiders some trouble representing both Cefn Druids and Caernarfon this season. Bobby Beaumont was his replacement just seven minutes into proceedings at The Oval.

The Lakesiders looked the better side during

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the early stages but were unable to create any chances of note to show for it. The closest Bala came to testing Jakub Orzynski was through Dave Edwards as he looked to catch Caernarfon’s defence napping with a long ball towards Paul Rutherford before the Polish goalkeeper was able to snuff out the danger. The Bala backline did have to defend at stages yet Alex Ramsay was also kept at bay with Nathan Peate able to make a couple of crucial challenges.

Ebbe denied from close range We went closest to breaking the deadlock through Ebbe when he flicked on a cross that Orzynski was quick to react to before a rebound struck by Sean Smith failed to hit the target.

Down the other end, on the stroke of half-time, came Caenarfon’s best chance of the half. A corner whipped into the proximity of Ramsay’s six-yard box, asking for a Cofi player to attack it, was unmet with half-time seeing both sides level.

Evans heads us in front!

Previous Match Report | Bala Town vs Penybont There was only one man that could put us ahead at The Oval, and his moment came in the 55th minute. Evans latching onto a cross into the far post by Rutherford to head home the opener easing some pressure on the Lakesiders who knew a Derby day win would all but secure our place in Europe.

Caernarfon had an opportunity to make an instant response through their target man Mike Hayes.

The ball fell kindly to the former Lakesider yet he was unable to make the most of the opportunity as his hesitation saw his shot blocked.

Super Dean Ebbe makes it two!

Edwards looked to cut open the Caernarfon defence once more with 15 minutes left on the clock. His ball was found by Ebbe who grabbed his fourth goal against the Cofis this campaign when he slotted home underneath the keeper a second for Bala.

requiring treatment. The Cofi was sent off for his unnecessary tackle with Caernarfon facing an uphill challenge if they were to pull off a miraculous comeback with ten minutes remaining.

Evans looked to add further misery for Caernarfon with his drilled effort late on. Yet the post was there to deny the winger a second brace at The Oval following his heroics representing Wales’ C squad.

With Newtown falling to a 2-0 defeat to TNS, the Lakesiders had done enough to seal second when the final whistle blew. A brilliant victory over our rivals to secure a place in next season’s Europa Conference League first qualifying round in a competitive Cymru Premier season.

A celebratory day is expected at Maes Tegid in our final game of the season as we face Penybont this Saturday, April 23rd with kick-off set for 12:30pm.

From bad to worse for Caernarfon...

Frustration grew within the Caernarfon camp as they felt everything was going against them on Derby day. This led to Aaron Simpson making a reckless challenge on Brad Bauress leaving our

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Penybont

Manager: Colin Caton

Manager: Rhys Griffiths

Alex Ramsay

Brad Borge Samuel Goodwin Ashley Morris Rhys Wilson Lewis Baldwin Billy Borge Oliver Dalton Daniel Jefferies Shaun MacDonald Kane Owen Lewis Clutton Mael Davies Ashley Evans Matthew Greenwood Lewis Harling Ryan Reynolds Rhys Stevens Liam Walsh Owain Warlow Ben Ahmun Kostya Georgievsky Josh Graham Sam Snaith Keane Watts Nathan Wood Dylan Williams Luke Florence Matthew Greenwood Tom Tweedy Jak Carson Jonah Lewis Nathan Cox William Flay Coby Rogers Kai Whitmore

Calum Woods Sean Smith Nathan Peate Athony Stephens Jonny Spittle Lassana Mendes Will Evans Danny Walker-Rice Kieran Smith Antony Kay Paul Rutherford Dave Edwards Brad Bauress Chris Venables Oliver Shannon Oliver Southern Harri Lloyd Dean Ebbe Daniel Mullarkey

MATCHDAY THIRTY TWO - MAES TEGID > CYMRU PREMIER CHAMPIONS CONFERENCE 12:45 / 23.04.2022 > MATCHDAY THIRTY TWO ISSUE TWENTY ONE > BALA TOWN VS PENYBONT

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