Carmarthen 0, Bala Town 1

The visitors decided to play with a strong wind at their backs in the first half and began well, retaining significant possession in the opposition half but were stunned by a quick Carmarthen counter attack on 8 minutes which resulted in Terry McCormick bringing off a superb save.

Bala however then dominated territory and Mark Connolly hit one of his trade mark free kicks narrowly over the bar. Mark Jones was excellent again in midfield but after half an hour little was produced in the way of clear chances.

Bala exerted more pressure and following 2 consecutive corners Mark Connolly missed a good chance from Stuart Jones´ header across goal. Mark Connolly had another great chance at the end of the first half hitting a weak shot straight at the home keeper.

Bala began the second half well despite facing the stiff breeze and a great run by Stephen Brown saw his cross elude everyone in the box.

Again Bala had much of the possession but no end result until Lee Hunt´s header from a fine Stephen Brown cross was disallowed for offside.

Connolly and Hunt then continued to miss fine chances but the resulting pressure finally told on the home defence when a corner for Bala was only partly headed clear, falling to Mike Byron who brilliantly volleyed home from 15 yards.

Carmarthen then had their one real chance of the half when they fired wide with the goal at their mercy.

Bala could not ease the pressure on themselves with a second goal despite the easiest of opportunities which fell to Chris Mason who fired desperately high over.

Bala finally claimed the hugely valuable 3 points and left having secured an excellent cushion for maintaining 5th spot. There is another huge fixture at Maes Tegid next Friday evening when Newtown visit for a 7.30p.m. kickoff.

Report by Nigel Aykroyd

Sgorio Highlights

To view Bala Town´s Show Racism the Red Card photos from this weekend´s match please follow this link

• Tags:
• Carmarthen