Bala Town release both keepers but sign Welsh Premier livewire Evans

Bala Town have released both their goalkeepers from the 2019-20 season.

Long-serving Ashley Morris announced today on social media he was leaving the Lakesiders after eight seasons at the club.

And Josh Tibbetts, who ousted Morris from the regular No 1 spot last season, has also left Maes Tegid.

Morris, 35, played for Merthyr Town and Llanelli before joining Bala in July 2012.

He was an almost ever-present for the next seven seasons, making more than 250 appearances for the 2016-17 Welsh Cup winners.

Last season saw the Wales Under-21 and C international go out on loan to fellow Welsh Premier club Penybont.

Morris said on social media today: “My eight great seasons at Bala Town has come to an end! Gutted I didn’t get the chance to do more, but that’s football.

“Made some great friends and memories that will stay with me forever! Would like to thank everyone associated with the club for all they have done for me.

“Without Col’s (Colin Caton’s) support it wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you and hope to see you all soon.”

Wolverhampton-based former Peterborough United keeper Tibbetts, 21, joined Bala last season, making 21 appearances in all competitions and keeping six clean sheets.

He said on social media: “Want to say a huge thank you to @BalaTownFC for my time at the club. Unfortunately I won’t be back next season from a decision not in my hands. Thanks to the fans and the support throughout the season and good luck next year.”

Bala Town fans will now be wondering what manager Colin Caton’s plans are in the goalkeeping department, having let two glovesmen from the club go in the past couple of days.

Given Caton’s excellent track record with signings at Maes Tegid, he is likely to have a big move up his sleeve.

Meanwhile, Bala have announced their first summer signing.

Joining the Lakesiders is 22 year old Will Evans who makes the switch to Maes Tegid from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

The attacking creative midfielder has spent five seasons at the Archers which saw him play in their Europa League campaign last summer and earn himself a call-up to the Wales C squad earlier this year.

Will notched seven league goals for Met during the 2019/20 season including the winner against the Lakesiders back in January.

Speaking about capturing Evans, manager Caton said: “We are really pleased to get Will. He has been at Cardiff Met University for a number of years now and played against us on a number of occasions and been a player that I’ve really, really admired.

“It has been rumoured over the last few years that he’d be moving back to Welshpool and he hasn’t come. We’d always be interested when he moved home and he has moved home now and looking to go into a teaching job in the next few months.

“So he’s looking to sort his career out and obviously he’s a great addition to the squad that can play anywhere across the front line and he can also play in midfield, a left of a diamond and he can also play in an advanced attacking midfield players as well.

“He scored 14 goals for Cardiff Met last season and he’ll be a great addition not just as a player but socially as well, he’s a really nice lad, he fits what we are about so really glad to have Will on board.”