Williams and Ismail doubles inspire Newtown to glory at Bala

NEWTOWN are just one win away from a European return following a thrilling victory at Bala Town tonight.

Aaron Williams and Zeli Ismail each struck twice with George Newell netting a brace for the hosts but the night belonged to the Robins.

Newell lashed wide while Bala goalkeeper produced a close range save from Shane Sutton amid appeals for a handball in the home area which were waved away by referee Mark Petch.

However former Robin Nain Arsan handled Mathew Jones' left wing cross as Petch pointed to the spot after 17 minutes.

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Williams' penalty attempt was parried by Lloyd but the Newtown forward followed up to break the deadlock and the Robins were on their way.

Bala were back on terms 20 minutes later when Kieran Smith's seemingly unthreatening right wing cross was cleared by Ryan Sears but only into the back of team-mate Mathew Jones with Newell seizing on the loose ball.

Dave Jones was called upon to deny Newell as the home side threatened to complete their comeback.

However Newtown were back in front before the break with Ismail cleverly turning home Jones' left wing cross from close range.

It was a similar story after the break with Nathan Peate heading over after 51 minutes and just seconds later the Robins increased their lead with Williams slotting home from close range after Lois Robles squared from the left touchline.

Newtown fans at Bala Town tonight. Picture by Tom Houghton.

Jones produced a stunning save to tip Peate's goalbound header wide on the hour.

Bala looked to set up a tense final 20 minutes when Newell headed home his second of the game from Ross White's right wing cross after a period of pressure from the home time finally yielded a breakthrough.

Newtown ensured glory with eight minutes remaining with Robles cutting inside from the left and firing through a crowded goalmouth with Ismail prodding past Lloyd from seven yards.

Bala kept pressing with Jones once again called upon to tip over Arsan's rasping 20 yard effort late on before the travelling faithful could breathe easy and look ahead to another play-off final.

Bala Town: Lloyd, Peate, Wall, Smith, Kay, Burke, Edwards (Rutherford 46), White, Newell, Arsan, Shannon (Davies 61). Subs: Clark, Aziamale, Mendes, Ashworth, Fletcher.

Newtown: D Jones, Sears, Sutton, Rushton (Aris 90), Robles (Hughes 79), A Williams, Cowans, M Jones, C Williams, Ismail (Roberts 86), Walker. Subs: Hyde, Mills-Evans, Torry, Taylor

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