Bala Town vs The New Saints - Matchday Programme

ISSUE ELEVEN > BALA TOWN VS THE NEW SAINTS

MATCHDAY FIFTEEN - MAES TEGID > CYMRU PREMIER 19:45 / 03.12.2021 > MATCHDAY FIFTEEN

BALA TOWN

bala town

O F F I C I A L

B A L L

S U P P L I E R

Macron Store Llanelli - info@macronstorellanelli.com • 07800 634 264 [Ray] Macrone Store Neath - sales@macronstoreneath.co.uk • 01792 321 364 [Ray] Macron Store Ebbw Vale - sales@macronstoreebbwvale.co.uk • 07800 903 724 [Matt] Macron Store Cardiff - sales@macronstorecardiff.com • 02920 811 053 [Amanda] Macron Store Wrexham - info@macronstorewrexham.co.uk • 01978 355 794 [Andy]

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 The New Saints

NIGEL’S NOTES N I G E L AY K R OY D

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH OUR CLUB A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

04 | balatownfc.co.uk

S

Nigel Aykroyd Interview | Bala Town vs The New Saints

The roller coaster season continues! The excellent 3 points in our last JD Cymru League match against high flying Flint Town was a distant memory as we turned a good first half performance into a nightmare second half last Friday against Connah’s Quay in the Nathaniel MG Cup Semi Final. This was indeed a half of football to forget but I’m sure we will put that behind us and remember the hugely impressive performance against our opposition this evening when we met early on in the season at Park Hall. We were “robbed” of a well deserved win that evening with the concession of 2 very late goals but the performance was hugely impressive. It is essential that we return to that standard as we face the runaway League leaders tonight.

The conundrum we are facing at Maes Tegid is that we cannot put a finger on the reasons for the variations in standards. We have a high quality squad with a good mixture of youth and experience and it is time now for consistency to push us up the table before the split happens in the New Year. We always look forward to our fixtures against TNS and the anticipation of another excellent evening’s entertainment is very much in our thoughts tonight.

As I repeatedly say, our Sponsors are the lifeblood of the Club and tonight we are so grateful to Mark Watkins Cigydd Bala Butcher for sponsoring the match. Mark is a brilliant supporter of the Club and has contributed financially for many years. We welcome him and his family to Maes Tegid this evening although there might well be some split loyalties as Llion plays for our Bala Academy whilst Jac is in the TNS Academy. We hope you all enjoy the evening and thank you once again Mark for your brilliant support.

I would like now to mention our Reserve team who have had a difficult start to the season.

They have recently lost their 2 coaches who started the season in Management

but Alan Roberts (Cip) has thankfully taken over the reigns and produced 2 superb back to back wins against seriously tough opposition away in Conwy and Llandudno.

The spirit, determination and enthusiasm are in abundance in the squad and we will definitely be hoping to strengthen in the January window.

They produce excellent entertainment and will be at home for their last fixture before a Christmas break next Friday evening kick off 7.30pm against Llandudno again.

Please make an effort to come and support them. You will not be disappointed!!

As this is the last Home programme before the festive period I would like to wish everyone involved with our Club a very Happy Christmas.

Your support is so very much appreciated and I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families.

We are of course back here at Maes Tegid on Boxing Day with our match against Caernarfon kicking off at 1pm. Please join us and shake off the Christmas cobwebs with an invigorating festive experience at Bala Town.

Nadolig Llawen I pawb.

Diolch Pawb. Nigel.

d y o r k y A .

N balatownfc.co.uk | 05

EXCLUSIVE RETAIL PARTNER

PLD

GD

PTS

1

THE NEW SAINTS

14

26

35

2

FLINT TOWN UNITED

14

11

26

3

NEWTOWN

14

10

23

PENYBONT

14

4

21

BALA TOWN

14

3

21

CONNAH’S QUAY NOMADS

14

7

20

CAERNARFON TOWN

14

2

20

BARRY TOWN UNITED

14

-1

19

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN

14

-7

16

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY

14

-10

15

CARDIFF MET

14

-11

15

CEFN DRUIDS

14

-34

2

1

ALEX RAMSAY > GOALKEEPER

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

2

CALUM WOODS > DEFENDER

3

SEAN SMITH > DEFENDER

4

NATHAN PEATE > DEFENDER

5

ANTHONY STEPHENS > DEFENDER

6

JONNY SPITTLE > DEFENDER

7

LASSANA MENDES > MIDFIELDER

8

WILL EVANS > FORWARD

10

DANNY WALKER-RICE > FORWARD

ala tow

KIERAN SMITH > MIDFIELDER

14

STEVEN LESLIE > MIDFIELDER

11

15

ANTONY KAY > MIDFIELDER

18

PAUL RUTHERFORD > FORWARD

19

DAVE EDWARDS > MIDFIELDER

20

BRAD BAURESS > MIDFIELDER

25

CHRIS VENABLES > FORWARD

29

OLIVER SHANNON > MIDFIELDER

30

HARRI LLOYD > GOALKEEPER

follow the lakesiders

twitter: @balatownfc facebook: @balatownfc instagram: @balatownfc youtube: bala town football club tik tok: balatownofficial

Player Sponsors | Bala Town vs Flint Town United 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.

SPONSORSHIP balatownfc.co.uk | 11

Exclusively distributed by

Discover more at www.davanti-tyres.com

BALA TOWN Official Tyre Partner

FROM

£ 18 a mont6 h

Get to know The Saints | Bala Town vs The New Saints

Club Name: The New Saints Established: 1959 Home: Park Hall Nickname: The Saints, TNS

The New Saints are a professional club who compete in the Cymru Premier, and are currently the most successful club in the Welsh League Pyramid with 13 league titles to their name. The club was founded in 1959 under the name of ‘Llansantffraidd FC’ and would play at the ‘Recreation Ground’ up until 2005, and would then move to their current ground of ‘Park Hall’.

After the club won the Welsh Cup in 1996, a local computer company; Total Network Solutions arranged a sponsorship deal which involved incorporating the company name into the club name, meaning the club was now named as ‘Total Network Solutions Llansantffraidd FC’.

Winning the Welsh Cup meant the club qualified for the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and they would go on to play Polish Cup winners Ruch Chorzow, and managed a 1-1 draw in their first ever European match, however they would go on to lose the tie on an aggregate score of 6-1 after a 5-0 away defeat.

In 1997, the club changed their name again to ‘Total Network Solutions FC’ meaning it was the first instance of a football club renaming itself after its sponsor’s name only. TNS would then become the only club to have full-time playing staff after the collapse of Barry Town in 2003.

In 2003, the club would merge with Oswestry Town despite the two club’s being separated by the border, despite UEFA’s initial objection to the idea because of the two clubs competing under two different governing bodies.

After the computer company ‘Total Network Solutions’ was bought out by ‘British Telecom’ the club would have to find a new name after the sponsorship arrangement had ended. The name ‘The New Saints’ was agreed after it seemed appropriate due to the history of the original merged clubs.

The New Saints have since became the powerhouses of Welsh Football, both domestically and on the European stage after coming close on many occasions to reaching the group stages of a European competition.

The club also holds a worldwide record of the most consecutive club victories by a top-flight team, as they surpassed Ajax’s 26 game winning run in December 2016 with a 2-0 win over Cefn Druids. The record is recognised by the ‘Guinness World Records’ as the most consecutive victories in footballing history.

balatownfc.co.uk | 14

Get to know The Saints | Bala Town vs The New Saints

The New Saints Form It’s been business as usual for TNS this season, as they sit at the top of the pile after 14 games and having a healthy lead from their closest challengers in Flint Town, who sit nine points away after a good start to their season. Despite being on top form this season, the Saints have dropped points along the way, with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Aberystwyth Town, and two 1-1 draws against Penybont and Flint Town.

The Saints have dropped points in their last five fixtures, starting off with a 1-1 draw away at Flint Town, where a Kai Edwards goal in the 92nd minute clawed back a point for the hosts, after TNS went down to 10 men as Leo Smith was sent off for two bookable offences. However they ran riot in their next two games, as both Cardiff Met and Haverfordwest County visited Park Hall, and were both dismantled by the league leaders.

TNS bounced back with a 5-0 win over Cardiff Met at Park Hall, and then went one better the weekend after with a 6-0 win over Haverfordwest County also at Park Hall. However, their next game came as a shock to everyone!

The Saints would travel to Aberystwyth Town in search of continuing their unbeaten run, although it wasn’t to be, as a 85th minute goal by John Owen for the hosts brought the league leaders’ unbeaten run to a stop. However, the league’s frontrunners bounced back with a 2-0 victory over high-flying Newtown at Park Hall, with two goals in the second half from Declan McManus and Ash Baker to hand the home side the win.

(H) Newtown 2-0 – Cymru Premier MD14 (A) Aberystwyth Town 1-0 – Cymru Premier MD13 (H) Haverfordwest County 6-0 – Cymru Premier MD12 (H) Cardiff Met 5-0 – Cymru Premier MD11 (A) Flint Town 1-1 – Cymru Premier MD10

balatownfc.co.uk | 15

The Saints Dangerman | Bala Town vs The New Saints Name: Declan McManus Position: Forward The league’s top scorer; Declan McManus is TNS’ danger man tonight, having signing for a record fee from Dunfermline for a fee of £60,000. He’s been worth every penny for the Saints, having helped them through the Europa Conference League qualifiers and only missing out on a Play-Off match after a defeat on penalties against Viktoria Plzen of the Czech Republic. The Scotsman has been in fine form in the league, leading the goal scoring charts with 13 goals in 14 appearances with his closest rival, Michael Wilde on 11 goals along with Aaron Williams of Newtown. McManus will be a huge threat tonight, despite not being on the score sheet the last time these two teams played, there’s no doubt he’ll be looking to increase his goal tally.

16 | balatownfc.co.uk

Thank you Awi Griffiths | Bala Town vs The New Saints The Club are hugely grateful to Mr Arwel Griffiths (Awi) for his superb sponsorship of the Flint Town fixture and also for his many years of continued support as a player, manager and committee member.

We were delighted to see him and his friends enjoying the hospitality before the match and at half time.

Awi was certainly our lucky omen for the night as we were all able to celebrate an excellent performance and secure the invaluable 3 points.

Mae’r Clwb yn hynod ddiolchgar i Mr Arwel Griffiths (Awi) am noddi’r gêm yn erbyn y Fflint a hefyd am ei gefnogaeth dros y flynyddoedd fel chwaraewr, rheolwr ac aelod o’r pwyllgor. Roeddem yn falch iawn o’i weld hefo’i ffrindiau yn mwynhau’r lletygarwch cyn y gêm ac dryw’r hanner amser. Yn sicr, daeth Awi lwc am y noson gan ein bod ni wedi dathlu perfformiad rhagorol a sicrhau’r 3 pwynt amhrisiadwy. DIOLCH YN OFNADWY AWI

balatownfc.co.uk | 17

Previous Meeting | The New Saints 2 vs 1 Bala Town

Brobbel’s last-minute winner seals TNS comeback victory

a floating cross in towards Venables before the captain was fouled in the area, with a penalty awarded to the Lakesiders.

The Lakesiders fell to defeat in frustrating fashion at Park Hall as Ryan Brobbel’s late brace which included a last-gasp winner saw TNS secure a comeback victory.

The captain stood up to take it and convert to give us an early lead at Park Hall! Bala were back on the attack straight from kick-off and Rutherford almost gave us a quick double when his curling cross which went just over the goalscorer in the box nearly found the bottom corner.

In what was a top-of-the table clash ahead of kickoff, Bala looked destined to grab an unexpected victory at Park Hall thanks to a first-half Chris Venables penalty before late drama saw Brobbel grab a brace to turn around the scores and see TNS the clinch three points.

The Lakesiders look dangerous in the opening exchanges Off the disappointment of the weekend, Colin Caton’s men certainly did not look flat in the first few minutes as they showcased that they came to Park Hall looking to get back to winning ways.

Paul Rutherford provided the Lakesiders our first opportunity of the game when he made space for himself to pull a shot away in the box only for it to be saved by Paul Harrison.

Venables gives us the lead from the spot!

Lassana Mendes looked to produce the first real opportunity of the game when he delivered

18 | balatownfc.co.uk

Lloyd pulls off a thrilling save to retain our lead TNS struggled for opportunities as Bala looked to defend their lead in numbers and catch the league leaders on the break. They first tested Harri Lloyd in goal halfway through the first-half when Ben Clark unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the area, but Lloyd matched it with a fantastic save.

TNS pile on the pressure with half-time approaching and Anthony Limbrick’s men still trailing, TNS started to push men forward and put the Lakesiders on the backfoot. This intense pressure did result in chances for the home side as Daniel Davies obtained one of those as he got past Oliver Southern on the left flank, before putting his effort into the side netting much to the relief of Colin Caton.

Previous Meeting | The New Saints 2 vs 1 Bala Town Another opportunity arose for the hosts a minute later when Jonathan Routledge swung in a dangerous cross into the area which went flying past several players before Lloyd collected as Bala entered half-time with a one-goal lead over the league leaders.

Rutherford rues missed clear-cut chance Following the break, the Lakesiders were presented an opportunity to double our advantage when Venables intercepted a poor TNS pass and played Rutherford through on a one-on-one with Harrison, with the winger seeing his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Bala appeared settled with their one-goal advantage as we looked to clinch our first victory at Park Hall and hand TNS their first defeat of the season with Limbrick’s men not causing the Lakesiders’ defence any problems. However, Brobbel had different plans.

Brobbel’s curling strike levels the scoring with TNS failing to break through the Bala resistance and test Lloyd to any real degree, it called for a special moment from one player from the league leaders. Brobbel provided exactly that when he delivered a remarkable effort that curled outside and then inside the post to bring TNS level with eight minutes to go.

It’s a brace for Brobbel as he grabs a last-minute winner that pain of losing the lead was to become even more excruciatingwhen TNS clinched the win in the dying moments of the game. Brobbel grabbing his brace as he was on the receiving end of a McManus’ cross into the far post. Bala players fell to their knees in disbelief, as in the space of only a few minutes they went from almost conquering the league leaders, to falling to a crushing defeat.

The Lakesiders had fought hard in their efforts of providing what would be our victory of the season, in the top-of-the-table clash. A heroic performance that almost provided what could be reflected on as a season-defining victory, now results in Bala ruing their missed chances and looking back at what could have been at Park Hall.

We now sit nine points behind TNS in first as we drop to fourth in the league table, with Flint overtaking us to second and Newtown moving up to third.

Bala Town – Harri Lloyd, Oliver Southern, Nathan Peate, Anthony Stephens, Brad Bauress,Sean Smith, Kieran Smith, Lassana Mendes, Paul Rutherford, Dave Edwards, Chris Venables.

TNS – Paul Harrison, Chris Marriott, Ryan Astles, Jon Routledge, Ryan Brobbel, Declan McManus, Danny Redmond, Jordan Williams, Ben Clark, Daniel Davies, Ashley Baker.

balatownfc.co.uk | 19

Business Advertisements | Bala Town vs The New Saints 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!

20 | balatownfc.co.uk

Business Advertisements | Bala Town vs The New Saints

balatownfc.co.uk | 21

shannon

n

Ollie Shannon | Bala Town vs The New Saints NAME: OLLIE SHANNON POSITION: DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLISH FORMER CLUBS:

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY / ATLANTA UNITED

Ollie signed for the Lakesiders in January of 2020, having left the United States after attending Clemson University and played for their football club; Clemson Tigers Men’s Soccer.

However, Ollie did spend 13 years at the Everton Youth Academy in a team that won the 2013-14 Youth Premier League, although he would make the move to the States and join Clemson in 2014.

While at Clemson, Ollie was a two-time cocaptain, a 2017 First-team All-ACC selection, a 2016 Second-Team All-ACC selection, and was twice named in the ACC’s All-Academic Team.

He then earned a contract with Atlanta United 2 after being selected in the ‘MLS SuperDraft’ in 2018.

At the time, vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said Ollie was a player they had scouted in-depth for a long time, and thought his physicality and profile would fit in well with the club’s philosophy. During his short time at Atlanta United 2, Ollie would go on to make 27 appearances and notched one goal in the 2018 season, as the club finished in 14th place.

After being released by Atlanta, Ollie returned to the UK and decided to sign for the Lakesiders.

Ollie then made his first appearance as a sub in a 2-1 home defeat to Cefn Druids, but made his full debut in a 1-1 draw against The New Saints in February of 2020.

After COVID put a halt to his first season with the club, Ollie went on to make 21 appearances last season, and grabbing his only two goals in a 3-1 win over Cefn Druids. Now this season, he’s already matched his goal tally of last season, with two goals against Flint Town in another 3-1 win.

balatownfc.co.uk | 23

Previous Match Report | Bala Town 1 vs 4 Connah’s Quay Nomads

Déjà vu for the Lakesiders as Nomads hit four to reach Nathaniel MG Cup Final Bala suffered another devastating defeat at the hands of Connah’s Quay at Maes Tegid as the holders of the Nathaniel MG Cup progressed to the final.

The Lakesiders put on an impressive first-half performance which saw us enter the break level after Anthony Stephens’ opener was cancelled out by Paulo Mendes. Before a second-half collapse saw us exit the cup with the holders ruthlessly progressing to the final.

Bright start by Bala Despite the disastrous defeat we suffered to the visitors fresh on the minds of the players from three weeks ago, we started the game on the front foot. Antony Kay almost gave us the lead five minutes in as he tried his luck from distance, with his dipping effort going just over the bar!

It was then Oliver Byrne who nearly gave us the lead as he made a mistake at the back when his attempted clearance struck the back of Dave Edwards. However, the goalkeeper was able to recover despite the panic to clear the danger.

24 | balatownfc.co.uk

The Lakesiders started to control possession the further game went on as confidence grew with every passage of play, but a breakthrough could not be found as the final ball was lacking. The Nomads almost opened the scoring with their first real opportunity as Declan Poole cut in from the left flank and unleashed a venomous strike that Kay was able to clear before reaching the awaiting Alex Ramsay in net.

Stephens bundles in the opener Moments later, Chris Venables was played through on goalbut failed to make the most of his glorious opportunity as Byrne saved well to see the ball out for a corner. From the corner, Bala got the breakthrough, with Brad Bauress cross reaching Stephens at the backpost who managed to bundle the ball home despite the Nomads best efforts to stop him.

Mendes draws the Nomads level With half-time approaching, the Nomads pushed for an equaliser to calm the storm. A long ball forward provided the equaliser with Craig Curran able to head the ball forward to Mendes who simply poked the ball past the rushing Ramsay to equalise and see the sides into half-time with the score level.

Previous Match Report | Bala Town 1 vs 4 Connah’s Quay Nomads Curran puts the holder ahead The Nomads seemed to find their stride in the second-half as they used the momentum from Mendes’ leveller to bring the game to Bala.

Kieran Smith made an incredible defensive header to prevent Mendes from having a free shot at grabbing his brace. However, the visitors’ pressure eventually paid dividends as Curran put his side in front. Aeron Edwards headinga cross downwards for Curran, who had all the time in the world to find the back of the net and give the Nomads the advantage. The advantage was then doubled only two minutes later as Mendes grabbed his brace. From Kris Owens’ pinpoint cross, the goalscorer towered home his second of the night to give the holders comfort.

From bad to worse, Mullan makes it four The Nomads weren’t finished there however as in the 72ndminute they made it four. Mendes selflessly squaring the ball to Mullan, despite being on his hat-trick, for the midfielder to blast a thunderbolt in off the crossbar to all but confirm the visitors place in the final with less than twenty minutes left.

The final few minutes saw the Nomads push for a fifth, but a late Ramsay save saw him prevent further punishment. However, the Nomads’ inspiring second-half performance saw them clinch their place in the final and they will now take on Cardiff Met in their bid to retain the cup.

Colin Caton will be disappointed to exit in the semi-finals of the league cup having seen his players put on a promising first-half performance before a second-half collapse spelt disaster for his side. He will now look to turn his players focus towards facing the league leaders at MaesTegid next Friday night.

Bala Town - Alex Ramsay, Calum Woods, Anthony Stephens, Sean Smith, Antony Kay, Bradley Bauress,Ollie Shannon, Kieran Smith, Paul Rutherford, Dave Edwards, Chris Venables Connah’s Quay – Oliver Byrne, Ryan Harrington, George Horan, Paulo Mendes, Jamie Mullan, Callum Morris, Declan Poole, Danny Holmes, Kris Owens, Craig Curran, Aeron Edwards

The Lakesiders bow out the cup

balatownfc.co.uk | 25

Business Advertisements | Bala Town vs The New Saints

26 | balatownfc.co.uk

POB GÊM CYMRU AR Y DAITH I QATAR YN FYW EVERY WALES GAME ON THE ROAD TO QATAR LIVE

2021/22 Cymru Premier League Fixtures | Bala Town vs The New Saints

Bala Town 2-2 Penybont

14/08/21

D

Barry Town 0-0 Bala Town

21/08/21

D

Bala Town 0-0 Cardiff Met

28/08/21

D

Aberystwyth Town 0-1 Bala Town

31/08/21

W

Bala Town 6-2 Haverfordwest County

11/09/21

W

Connah’s Quay Nomads 0-1 Bala Town

18/09/21

W

Flint Town 1-2 Bala Town

02/10/21

W

Bala Town 1-1 Cefn Druids

09/10/21

D

The New Saints 2-1 Bala Town

12/10/21

L

Bala Town 3-3 Barry Town

23/10/21

D

Penybont 1-0 Bala Town

30/10/21

L

Bala Town 0-4 Connah’s Quay Nomads

05/11/21

L

Newtown 3-3 Bala Town

09/11/21

D

Bala Town 3-1 Flint Town

19/11/21

W

Bala Town vs The New Saints

03/12/21

Haverfordwest County vs Bala Town

11/12/21

Cefn Druids vs Bala Town

17/12/21

Bala Town vs Caernarfon Town

26/12/21

Caernarfon Town vs Bala Town

01/01/22

Cardiff Met vs Bala Town

22/01/22

Bala Town vs Newtown

28/01/22

Bala Town vs Aberystwyth Town

12/02/22

28 | balatownfc.co.uk

© 2019 adidas AG. adidas, the 3-Bars logo and the 3-Stripes mark are registered trademarks of the adidas Group.

BUILD. CREATE. UNITE. ORDER YOUR TEAM’S KIT ONLINE IN THE ADIDAS LOCKER ROOM.

G E T S TA R T E D LOCKERROOM.ADIDAS.CO.UK

Bala Town Reserves | Bala Town vs The New Saints

FAW Reserve League North West Bala Town Reserves 3-3 Denbigh Town Reserves – 30/07/21 Bala Town Reserves 1-2 Holywell Town Reserves – 06/08/21 St Asaph Reserves 2-1 Bala Town Reserves – 13/08/21 Bala Town Reserves 6-6 Conwy Borough Reserves – 20/08/21 Bala Town Reserves 3-3 Llanrwst United Reserves – 03/09/21 Bala Town Reserves 2-1 Llangefni Town Reserves – 17/09/21 Bala Town Reserves 3-4 Porthmadog Reserves – 01/10/21 Nantlle Vale Reserves vs Bala Town Reserves – POSTPONED Bala Town Reserves vs Prestatyn Town Reserves – POSTPONED Llanrwst United Reserves 3-1 Bala Town Reserves – 06/11/21 Bala Town Reserves vs Holyhead Hotspur Reserves – POSTPONED Conwy Borough Reserves 3-4 Bala Town Reserves – 20/11/21 Llandudno U23’s 1-3 Bala Town Reserves – 27/11/21

RESERVES MATCH REPORT – Conwy Borough 3-4 Bala Town Reserves Comeback of Dreams from our Reserves!

Following a difficult start to the season, our Reserves would head to Conwy Borough after two weeks without a fixture, looking to go one better against the side that they played out an entertaining 6-6 draw back in August.

Alan Roberts would take charge of the squad for the first time following the departure of Daf Hughes and Adam Galdo two weeks ago.

The squad that travelled to Conwy was as follows: Tom Lloyd, Jack Jarvis, Steff Williams, Dave Yates, Paul Yates, Sam Roberts, Owain Jones, Rob McNaught, Cai Aykroyd, Llion Thomas, Will Hughes, Ben Roberts and Joe Taft.

Despite a good start from our Reserves, the hosts took the lead It was a good start to the game from our Reserves, who should have scored in the early encounters with Cai Aykroyd, Llion Thomas and Will Hughes leading the frontline, but on the half hour mark, they were made to pay as the hosts won a penalty. Conwy’s Morgan Murray stepped up to take the penalty, and converted it to Tom Lloyd’s left hand side to give the hosts the lead.

30 | balatownfc.co.uk

Bala Town Reserves | Bala Town vs The New Saints

However, just 10 minutes later Bala earned their rewards for their good first half performance, as Cai Aykroyd was put through on goal and slotted the ball past the keeper to bring the game level.

Unlucky end to the first half as the hosts regain the lead An unfortunate injury to stand-in keeper Tom Lloyd who looked to have broken his hand, was forced to play through the pain until the halftime whistle.

However, just as the game entered injury time things got even worse for us, as a cross into the box from the right hand side went all the way through our backline, and unfortunately for Jack Jarvis at the back post, he inadvertently put the ball into his own net to give the home side the lead going into the break.

Poor start to second half, but again Bala come back fighting! The hosts would further increase their advantage early into the second half, as a header from a corner was scored by Ruszkowski

for Conwy. Although, just five minutes later, we were awarded a penalty of our own! Cai Aykroyd was put through again and attempted to dribble around the keeper, but managed to win a penalty after he was brought down by the keeper’s trailing leg. Cai stepped up to take the penalty, and slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner to bring back into the game!

Things got even better for our Reserves when a Conwy player handled the ball inside the box to give us another penalty! This time, Will Hughes stepped up to the spot and rifled the ball down the middle of the goal to bring the game level once more!

The full turn-around was completed with minutes remaining!

With both teams now aiming for the winning goal, both sides had chances to do so, but it was a combination of Jack Jarvis and Paul Yates that stole the spoils with three minutes of normal time remaining!

balatownfc.co.uk | 31

Manager: Colin Caton

Manager: Andy Limbrick

Alex Ramsay

Paul Harrison

Calum Woods

Connor Roberts

Sean Smith

Chris Marriot

Nathan Peate

Keston Davies

Athony Stephens

Ryan Astles

Jonny Spittle

Blaine Hudson

Lassana Mendes

Danny Davies

Will Evans

Ash Baker

Danny Walker-Rice

Louis Bradford

Kieran Smith

Josh Bailey

Steven Leslie

Jon Routledge

Antony Kay

Ryan Brobbel

Paul Rutherford

Danny Redmond

Dave Edwards

Ben Clarke

Brad Bauress

Leo Smith

Chris Venables

Jake Canavan

Oliver Shannon

Tom Holland

Oliver Southern

Beau Cornish

Chris Sang

Declan McManus

Harri Lloyd

Adrian Cieslewicz Jordan Williams Louis Robles Jeanny Leblanc-Akpo Lewis Rees

ISSUE ELEVEN > BALA TOWN VS THE NEW SAINTS

TNS

MATCHDAY FIFTEEN - MAES TEGID > CYMRU PREMIER 19:45 / 03.12.2021 > MATCHDAY FIFTEEN

BALA TOWN