Cymru North club boss admits promotion a ‘big ask’ after latest defensive collapse

Bala Town boss Steve Fisher admits his side must improve defensively after another costly defeat left their hopes of challenging for the top two in the Cymru North under pressure.

Bala suffered a home defeat to Buckley Town, conceding three goals for the third consecutive game as their defensive problems continued to undermine their attacking efforts.

The latest setback leaves the side fifth in the Cymru North table, eight points behind league leaders Brickfield Rangers but just three points adrift of Newtown in the play-off places.

Despite believing Bala were the better team for much of the contest, Fisher admitted that individual errors and defensive lapses were proving too costly.

“We’ve had a few harsh words over the last couple of weeks,” he said to the club’s official media.

“Defensively we haven’t been good enough. Going forward we’re okay. We’re scoring goals. We’re killing ourselves,” he said.

Bala Town punished for defensive errors as Buckley claim victory

Buckley took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ben Guest converted a penalty, continuing the forward’s impressive form after scoring five times during September.

Bala’s evening became more difficult 11 minutes later when Osebi Abadaki put the ball into his own net, leaving the hosts with work to do.

Ross White pulled a goal back for Bala, offering hope of a comeback, but that optimism was short-lived as Okera Simmonds restored Buckley’s advantage just three minutes later.

Bala conceded another penalty as the visitors continued to capitalise on their opportunities, with Connor Littler converting from the spot to compound the hosts’ frustrations.

The result was another damaging one for Fisher’s side, who have now conceded at least three goals in each of their last three matches.

Buckley Town arrived in Cymru North action in good spirits after an unbeaten September, scoring 14 goals across three league matches.

Steve Fisher explains what went wrong against Buckley Town

Fisher felt Bala had controlled much of the match but insisted their defensive shortcomings had ultimately cost them the points.

“The most disappointing thing for me is we’re dominating these games. Today I thought we were miles the better team,” he said.

“We’ve been hit on the break. We’ve given away two penalties. Scored an own goal. No one opens us up in open play.

“We dominate possession, keep the ball, get in behind. If you’re going to concede two or three goals every game, you can’t need to win games by scoring three and four each week. You just can’t.”

The Bala manager also pointed to the experience within his squad, arguing that his players have demonstrated their defensive capabilities at higher levels of Welsh football.

“The lads in there are better than that. That’s the disappointing thing. They’ve all played Welsh Prem football. They’ve all played at a higher level than this. They’ve kept clean sheets against the best teams,” he added.

“We’re playing week after week, three weeks on the bounce now we’re giving goals away we shouldn’t be giving away.”

Fisher acknowledged the resilience his players had shown in fighting their way back into games, but said that could only take them so far if the same mistakes continued to happen.

“We do ever so well and show resilience to come back. I thought there was only going to be one winner, and then we give another penalty away,” he said.

Bala Town’s Cymru North promotion hopes face growing pressure

There is still ground to make up, but their recent run of results has increased the pressure on Fisher and his players to find a solution quickly.

Buckley’s strong recent form also offered a reminder of the importance of taking chances and defending effectively at this level. While Bala have continued to find the net, their inability to keep opponents out has become a recurring problem.

Fisher praised Buckley and their manager Dave, recognising the visitors’ determination and their ability to defend their penalty area when it mattered.

“Dave has a good side. They work hard. They don’t stop fighting themselves,” he said.

“On the night we’re the better side but we just get done three times. They deserve to go away with the win. They’ve defended their box better than we have.”

He added that Buckley had made the most of their opportunities, even if their goals came through penalties and an own goal rather than sustained pressure in open play.

“They’ve managed to get three goals, albeit two penalties and an own goal. We’ve got to be in it to win it. They’ve put balls in behind us and we didn’t deal with them.”

Fisher calls on Bala to respond after another setback

With defensive errors continuing to cost points, Fisher knows his side must take responsibility for turning their fortunes around.

The manager revealed that players were beginning to return to fitness, which could provide a timely boost as Bala look to arrest their slide and close the gap on the teams above them.

However, he made clear that improvement would have to come from within the squad rather than relying on outside help.

“We’re going through a tough period at the minute, and we need to improve. It’s only us who can change it. I’m not looking for anyone else to help us. We’re starting to get lads back fit,” Fisher said.

The Cymru North promotion race remains within reach, but the club must address its defensive problems if it is to challenge for a place in the top two.

“If we carry on the way we are, it’s going to be a big ask to be anywhere near that top two. It’s another three points dropped, dropped two last week.”