Newtown 0 Bala Town 2

NEWTOWN'S miserable start to 2022 looks set to extend into spring following a slender home defeat at the hands of Bala Town tonight.

The Robins went into the game with only one recognised defender in the form of Brett Taylor but their makeshift line-up was successful in holding its own for the opening quarter.

Taylor was called upon to keep the score goalless after 25 minutes when ex-Caersws star Chris Venables rose highest in the area only to see his headed effort cleared off the line by Taylor as the Robins survived a let off.

Callum Woods and Dean Ebbe each warmed the palms of Newtown goalkeeper Dave Jones but their proved little to separate the sides for much of the half.

However Bala led just before the break with Lassana Mendes swinging in a corner from the right hand side which was powerfully headed home by the onrushing Nathan Peate.

Newtown were sparked into life and came close to levelling before the break with James Davies' accurate right wing corner headed wide on the far post by Aaron Williams.

The Robins took their promising end to the first-half into the second period with January signing Zeli Ismael showing the home faithful a glimpse of his skills with a wonderful run which saw him beat three defenders only to be denied by Alex Ramsay in the Bala goal.

Ismael and Fumpa Mwandwe continued to give the visiting rearguard plenty of reason for thought while Nick Rushton fired over but it was all over on with 20 minutes remaining as Bala doubled their lead.

The Lakesiders were indebted to their mid Wales duo as Llangedwyn's Will Evans crossed for Llandinam raised Venables to head home.

The goal sucked the life out of Newtown's already fading comeback hopes as Bala Town comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to return over the Berwyn Mountains with a maximum points haul.

Newtown: Jones, Taylor, Mwandwe, Rushton, Davies (Downs 81), A Williams, Cowans, C Williams, Ismail, Hughes, Arsan. Subs: M Williams, Smallwood, Hesden, Jones, Guest, Garbett

Bala Town: Ramsay, Woods, Peate, Kay, S Smith, Evans, K Smith, Mendes (Rutherford 84), Edwards, Venables, Ebbe. Subs: Spittle, Mullarkey, Stephens, Bauress