Hayes on target against former club as Canaries push on
Wilde seals points for title-chasing Nomads to join exclusive 200 club
BALA Town slumped to a second successive home defeat in the space of five days as they were beaten 2-1 by Caernarfon Town at the weekend - following a 3-1 midweek home defeat to titlechasing Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Despite getting off to the perfect start with a Will Evans goal in the 16th minute, they were pegged back two minutes after the break when former Lakesider Mike Hayes levelled.
The decisive blow was struck by Paulo Mendes in the 70th minute to give Caernarfon – who have now bagged 11 points from the last five matches – a huge boost.
The win moves the Canaries up to the crucial sixth spot as the league split looms, now three points clear of rivals Haverfordwest: their next match is at home to struggling Cardiff Met on Saturday.
Bala, who remain comfortably third but slip further behind in their pursuit of the top two, make the trip to Barry.
● Michael Wilde joined the exclusive 200-goal club in the JD Cymru Premier League as he tapped in to help Connah’s Quay Nomads to a 2-0 win against Haverfordwest County.
An opening goal from George Horan on the stroke of half time had put the Nomads in front.
Wilde’s simple second-half strike, courtesy of a square ball from Craig Curran, carried the 37-year-old on to 200 league goals – only the fourth player to reach that landmark.
The first 153 came in the colours of The New Saints, but his 47th for the Nomads allowed him to join Marc Lloyd Williams (319), Rhys Griffiths (271) and Lee Hunt (209).
The win allowed the Nomads to extend their lead over The New Saints to six points. There was no game for TNS, who have a game in hand.
“We showed a lot of respect to Haverfordwest and I was delighted with our game plan. We played a little bit deeper and got our pressing right,” said Nomads boss Andy Morrison.
“We were really bright in and around their box and we asked a lot of questions. I think we probably got into double figures in corners.”
● Cardiff Met were left to rue a host of missed chances as they were held to a goalless draw by Cefn Druids.
It was a costly failure by the students as they dropped to 10th as Aberystwyth Town claimed three points over Newtown. Their 1-0 home win was thanks to a Harry Franklin goal.
Newtown were not helped by Tyrone Ofori’s 53rd-minute sending off for a second yellow card. They also missed a penalty when Connor Roberts saved from Alex Fletcher.
Two goals in the space of five minutes in near the end of the first half were enough to give Flint Town United a 2-1 win at Penybont. Sam Hart got the first for the visitors in the 36th minute and Callum Bratley added a second.
Penybont grabbed a late consolation from Lewis Clutton in the 90th minute.