Bala and Newtown in key clash for 2nd spot

BALA Town and Newtown are still locked in the race for the second automatic European slot for next season after they both came up with 1-0 wins.

Bala – who had earned a valuable 1-1 draw against TNS in midweek – made life difficult for themselves at Flint Town United when they had Antony Kay sent off in the 62nd minute.

His dismissal came 12 minutes after Nathan Peate had given them the lead and they were forced to hang on from there on.

The Lakesiders and The Robins now clash in Bala on Friday (3pm KO) in a massive match that could see one of them leap ahead after being tied on 50 points.

Caernarfon Town hit top form midweek with a 4-0 win at Flint Town United, Sion Bradley, Mike Hughes, Dion Donohue and Rob Hughes all finding the net - but failed to back it up on their visit to Newtown at the weekend.

Fumpa Mwande scored the only goal for the hosts, his third goal in Phase 2 of the campaign including back to back goals in vital wins over Penybont and Caernarfon.

A top-three finish is now beyond the Canaries, but they can move up to fourth with a win at home over Penybont on Friday (2:30pm KO) (see table inset).

THE New Saints struck a psychological blow ahead of the JD Welsh Cup final by beating fellow finalists Penybont 2-1 in the JD Cymru Championship Conference.

It was a fourth successive defeat for Rhys Griffiths’ home side and came after they had had the perfect start with a goal from Ben Ahmun after only six minutes at the SDM Glass Stadium.

That forced the champions to come out and play and Ryan Brobbel levelled matters in the 21st minute. Cefn Druids ......... 29

It was Brobbel at the double in the second half when he smashed home a ball teed up for him by Leo Smith in the 56th minute.

● In the Ardal North West, Porthmadog’s title challenge suffered a probably-final blow when they were held 1-1 by Nantlle Vale (see match report below).

Leaders Mold Alexandra, who had thrashed Rhydymwyn 5-1 in midweek, were 3-1 up at Llanuwchllyn on 73 minutes when home player Jack Evans was stretchered off with a serious injury: it was agreed the match could not continue and it will be replayed at a date to be arranged.