Bala Town bounced back from their weekend defeat with a hotly-contested victory over Penybont.
Penybont failed to capitalised on Barry Town United’s slip up, which would have put the side in fourth spot had they won.
Goals from Kostya Georgievksy and Lewis Clutton were cancelled out by a brace from Anthony Kay and a free-kick goal from Steven Leslie.
Bala could have taken the lead in the first two minutes. Will Evans played striker Raul Correia through on goal, but his shot went wide of the near post.
Kane Owen had a volleyed attempt saved at ease by Alex Ramsay.
Correia found the back of the net with a thunderous half volley, but it was ruled out for offside.
Evans’ quick feet allowed him to find the touchline before delivering a low-driven cross across the face of goal. Correia, who had lost his marker, was unable to reach the ball.
The Lakesiders took the lead on the brink of half-time, as midfielder Kay converted from close from a corner.
The hosts responded well to going behind, with a series of attacks seeing them shoot off target and test Ramsay with a cross from wide multiple times.
Kay doubled his tally straight after the break, with a thumping header finding the back of the net.
Penybont scored seconds later as Georgievsky’s looping header bounced off the inside of the post, and over the goal line.
Bala Town had a strong penalty claim as Correia seemed to be brought down by Daniel Jefferies inside the box, but the referee waved play on.
Rhys Griffiths’ side played with a spring in their step around the hour mark, but often failed with the final ball.
Chris Venables’ shot across goal flew wide of the far post.
Substitute Sam Snaith was denied of one of the goals of the season when he acrobatically bicycle-kicked against the woodwork.
Penybont’s dominant spell extended further, as Snaith came close again minutes later with a header going over from around the penalty spot.
Leslie made it three for the visitors as he calmly converted from a direct free-kick from 25-yards out.
Owen forced a fantastic top-corner save out of Ramsay with a free-kick.
Lewis Clutton gave Penybont hope with a composed finish in the 87th minute, but it ended up being too little too late for the side.
Penybont: Ashley Morris, Kane Owen ©, Ashley Evans, Daniel Jefferies, Mael Davies, Kostya Georgievsky (Lewis Clutton 72’, Lewis Harling (Oliver Dalton 80’), Ben Ahmun (Sam Snaith 64’), Nathan Wood, Billy Borge, Matthew Harris (Connor Davies 72’).
Goals: Kostya Georgievsky (50’), Lewis Clutton (87’)
Yellow Cards: Kostya Georgievsky (56’), Mael Davies (67’), Sam Snaith (80’)
Bala Town: Alex Ramsay, Sean Smith, Anthony Stephens, Jonathan Spittle, Will Evans, Raul Correia (Jack Mackreth 80’), Steven Leslie, Anthony Kay, Lassana Mendes, Ryan Pryce, Chris Venables ©.
Goals: Anthony Kay (40’, 48), Steven Leslie (85’)
Recap the action as-it-happened by reading through our live blog below:
(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell)
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