PHOTO:
Kieran Howard scored the Bluebirds' opener against Bala Town
Bala Town 3 – Haverfordwest County 2
Bala Town came from two goals down to secure an incredible fight back and claim an unlikely victory over Haverfordwest County, the Lakesiders moved up to second in the Welsh Premier table.
This league clash was switched to Airbus UK’s 3G all weather pitch, and it poured with rain for the duration. No surprise there then!
Howard scores
The Bluebirds opened the scoring in the 18th minute, midfielder Kieran Howard strking a low shot from the edge of the 18-yard box that comfortably beat Lakesiders’ goalkeeper Ashley Morris.
A minute after half time and the visitors increased their lead, midfielder Greg Walters neatly slotting into the far corner, but things took a dramatic turn in the Lakesiders’ favour after the visitors’ second goal.
Lakesiders fight back
Mike Hayes pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute; his low shot just crept over Craig Morris’ goal line.
The Lakesiders equalised in the 75th minute, a cross in the box was nodded in by Bluebirds’ centre back Sam Rodon, for a cruel own goal.
Cruel luck
A draw would have possibly been a fair result, but the Lakesiders pinched a fortuitous winner in the 80th minute, Ian Sheridan’s cross was met by the side-foot of Ryan Valentine, whose shot came off the crossbar and rebounded off keeper Morris’ back, via the ball going into the net.
It was a really cruel blow for the bottom of the table Bluebirds, but an extremely kind one for the Lakesiders.
Bala Town: Ashley Morris; Ryan Valentine; Anthony Stephens; Stuart Jones; Conall Murtagh (Captain); Mark Jones; David Thompson; Mike Hayes; Ian Sheridan; Kieran Smith; Lee Hunt. Substitutes: Craig Vernon; David Artell; Steve Fisher; Mark Connolly; Kenny Lunt.
Haverfordwest County: Craig Morris; Ricky Watts; Spencer Williams; Sean Pemberton; Dale Griffiths (Captain); Sam Rodon; Luke Borrelli; Greg Walters; Jordan Follows; Kieran Howard; Nicky Palmer. Substitutes: Steffan Williams; Alex Connell; Kristian Speake; Tomas Wellington.