Cymru Premier: Bala close to A record away win, Cofis pick up superb draw at Barry, Airbus claim first victory

Penybont 1 Bala Town 6

Bala came within one goal of equalling their all-time record away victory in the Cymru Premier on Saturday, reports Hannah Jones.

Last season saw the Lakesiders achieve a biggest-ever top flight win on their travels with a 7-1 walloping of Llanelli, and although they were not quite able to match that at promoted Penybont, Colin Caton’s men still produced one of the greatest displays on the road since joining the national league in 2009-10.

In just the second minute Henry Jones, who came in for Lee Molyneux, fired low into the bottom left-hand corner from edge of the box.

With nine minutes played, Town were awarded a penalty as Andrew Burns was tumbled in the box by Owain Warlow. Chris Venables stepped up and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

Bala added a third on 26 minutes when Stuart Jones was at the back post and headed across the face of goal for Lassana Mendes to turn the ball in over the line.

From the restart Bont got themselves back into the game as they broke down the right and Kieran Howard fired in after Bala failed to clear.

This didn’t stop Town, who were still pressing forward seeking to add more goals to their tally.

A fourth came on 39 minutes when Louis Robles nudged the ball in from close range.

Before the interval, Jones was tripped in the box and Venables dispatched the resultant penalty, making it 5-1 at the break.

Even with their comfortable lead, the Lakesiders continued with their pressing throughout the second half and were unlucky when Henry Jones’ teasing cross rattled the woodwork prior to Venables’ goalbound header being cleared by the Bont defence.

A strike by Kieran Smith on the left was driven into the side-netting before Bala made it six.

The 73rd minute saw an unmarked Stuart Jones at the back stick bullet home a powerful header.

Barry Town United 0 Caernarfon Town 0

The Canaries were well worthy of a point at the home of the leaders, reports Paul Evans.

The first worthwhile effort of the afternoon came from Jamie Crowther after the hosts had failed to deal with a Nathan Craig free-kick and the big midfielder controlled the ball well in the penalty area before blasting a foot over the bar.

A fine Noah Edwards interception on the halfway line helped set up another opportunity five minutes later as Leo Smith strode swiftly into the danger area before finding Darren Thomas 16 yards out, and the little magician’s first-time effort whistled past the upright, with stopper Mike Lewis beaten.

Alex Ramsay made his first save in the 38th minute when he reacted smartly to keep out a Sion Spence header. Smith went close for the Cofis in the final minute of the half when his volley flew narrowly over the bar.

Kayne McLaggon forced another fine save from Ramsay on the hour after he had raced through, but the Town keeper proved more than up to the task.

Lewis did well to keep his side on level terms three minutes later after Smith put Jamie Breese through and the big keeper got his hand to the striker’s attempted dink.

The returning Momodou Touray was introduced from the bench on 69 minutes and the usually deadly front man wasted a golden opportunity from 14 yards.

The sides continued to search for the winner in the latter stages and, if truth be told, it was Caernarfon who went closest as Smith, Danny Brookwell and Thomas all threatened to break the deadlock late on.

On the balance of play, the draw was a fair result, but Sean Eardley and his side will probably feel they could well have returned home with all three after an excellent performance.

Tyn Lon Volvo Garage Man of the Match: Noah Edwards

Team: Alex Ramsay, Nathan Craig, Mike Pearson, Gareth Edwards, Ryan Williams, Jamie Crowther, Noah Edwards, Leo Smith, Gareth Evans, Darren Thomas, Jamie Breese. Subs (used): Gruff John Williams, Cai Jones, Danny Brookwell. Not used: Shaun Cavanagh, Sam Jones.

Rest of the league

Airbus UK Broughton deservedly got off the mark for the season with a 2-1 triumph at Aberystwyth Town.

Ryan Edwards and Andy Owens put the Wingmakers two-up before Luke Boundford replied late on.

Carmarthen Town and Cardiff Met University drew two apiece.