Bala Town 2-1 Cefn Druids: Peate haunts former side with stoppage-time winner

Nathan Peate’s second goal of the season was the difference as Bala’s late winner sees them secure a first win of the season following a pulsating end to the match.

It was Will Evans who gave the home side the lead, when he connected on to a delivery into the area by Andrew Burns to give his side the lead in his first game at Maes Tegid.

Arsan levelled the game just before the midway point of the second half, when he drove into the area before unleashing a powerful strike past Alex Ramsay.

It looked as if Druids were heading home with an impressive point. However, their former defender had different plans.

Nathan Peate managing to bundle the ball into the back of the net to secure their first victory of the season and make it two in two for himself.

Antony Kay was sent off moments before the goal when he received back to back yellows for dissent.

Aaron Simpson also was given his marching orders when he was sent off for a second yellow having caused a collision with the match winner Peate, which left both players needing treatment.

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Druids’ first opening minutes of their new era under newly appointed manager Bruno Lopes were pleasing for the 36-year-old boss.

Considering it was his side’s first game, with their first two being postponed, his side looked competitive and match ready for the challenge ahead.

But once Bala begun to find their stride, Bala’s attacking players started to cause worry for the Druids’ defence.

The visitors’ defended well to handle the many threats Bala possess, with Michael Jones looking solid in goal.

Bala’s first opportunity came through Raul Correia, who’s blistering pace in behind saw him able to pull a shot away only to be blocked by Iwan Cartwright, who had recovered well to put the ball out for a corner.

Jonny Spittle then tested Jones for the first time in the match with an ambitious shot from a resulting corner.

Druids looked dangerous on the counter-attack throughout the first half, however were lacking the final killer ball as they struggled for chances.

Nathan Peate appeared keen to grab a goal against his old club during the half. His header from a corner on the twenty fifth minute mark was just over the bar.

It was a first goal in Bala’s colours for Will Evans which broke the deadlock. The 23-year-old flicking on a delightful cross by Andrew Burns to find the top corner, handing the home side a well deserved lead.

The Lakesiders almost made it two in quick succession moments later. Correia fancying a goal to open his account too, though his header from close range was too high as it went over the Druids’ goal.

Josef Faux attempted Druids’ first shot on goal from outside the box, when his shot was saved low to Ramsay’s right late on in the half.

It was once again Correia who went closest to handing Bala a second of the match, turning his man in the area and getting a powerful shot away at Jones who did fantastically to guide the shot past his post.

Colin Caton’s men headed into half-time as it was last week, with a 1-0 lead. Dominant first half display by Bala who could have been leading by a more comfortable scoreline had it not been for the Druids’ defence and Michael Jones in net.

Following half-time, Bala continued their search for a second and went close early on in the half when Spittle leaped highest from a corner heading just wide.

The visitors remained in the game and it was Faux once again who went closest, when he managed to turn and shoot on the edge of the area striking a shot towards Ramsay who palmed the ball over for a corner.

Evans almost collected a brace minutes later, however his shot from close range was somehow cleared off the line, with the home side going millimeters from gaining a comfortable lead.

The former Cardiff Met player continued his search for a second when his curling effort looped wide of Jones’ goal.

Naim Arsan then popped out of nowhere to equalise midway through the second half. Picking up the ball outside the box, driving into the area to rifle the ball home past Ramsay.

Colin Caton turned to forgotten star man Henry Jones, to try and produce some magic with the his side trailing.

Jones looked hungry to prove a point to his manager, looking dangerous off the bench for the Lakesiders.

Llyr Morris later joined him on the field as he made his debut for the club, having signed this summer from local club Ruthin Town.

Jones later presented an inviting cross for Spittle to get onto, which he did, hitting the post and going agonisingly close to handing his side the lead.

The real drama of the game was yet to come, with Antony Kay beginning this pulsating ending to the match. The veteran was shown back to back yellows for dissent towards the referee when complaining about an excessive challenge on his teammate.

Moments later, the home side took the lead, Peate bundling in the ball from a free-kick to give his side the victory. Grabbing his second goal in two games for Bala, as well as scoring on his home debut against his old side.

Druids’ pushed for a late equaliser, however, they were punished further when Simpson received the second red card of the match. Simpson had went down in a heap following a collision with match-winner Peate. With the referee finding the defender guilty in causing the collision handing him his second yellow and therefore a red card.

The Lakesiders hung on for victory, their first of the season against a resilient Cefn Druids side who refused to be put away easily.

Bruno Lopes would have been pleased in his side’s second-half showing against a side which may be challenging for the title this season.

He continues his reign at the club against Flint Town in their rearranged fixture next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Colin Caton’s side will look to take this momentum into next Sunday’s fixture against winless Penybont.

See how Bala Town claimed a dramatic victory over the Druids here:

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)