A bad night at Bala as Nomads hit for seven

The Nomads suffered at the hands of a rampant Bala outfit who put seven goals past them which resulted in their eight straight league defeat. Goals from Connolly, Sheridan, Smith, Valentine and Codling ensured The Nomads' trip to Maes Tegid was one to forget.

The Nomads' hopes had been positive going into the game with the chance of ending their poor run of late and that looked possible in the first half with some good play from the visitors. Chances came through for Hayes and Everall, but their biggest chance something of a fluke when a Nomads corner was sent in and the ball bounced amidst the Bala defence and bounced off the post.

The pairing of Hayes and Everall upfront looked positive even with the absence of a rested Gary O'Toole, when Everall went on a run and linked up with Hayes, only for the ball to be sent above the crossbar.

Bala threatened also in an end-to-end first half with chances from Sheridan and Smith well kept by Terry Mcormick, who must be commended despite the score-line as without his saves the goal count may have been higher.

The Nomads' fortunes changed when Ryan Valentine hit a brilliant shot from the edge of the box, sending the ball driving into the bottom right corner, making Nomads feeling hard done by after a great defensive display up until this goal just before the interval.

The second half was a definite turning point for The Nomads when they saw their good first half display vanish as Bala began to take control. In the 48th minute Connolly struck to dampen The Nomads' spirits before scoring a sublime free kick to get a third and all but end Nomads hopes of coming away from lake side with three points.

There was a clear absence of Nomads defensive structure as Bala found it all too easy to tap in a fourth goal via Ian Sheridan.

The Nomads were still pushing for at least a consolation goal through Michael Hayes who made a great run but a high confidence Bala side were not going to give away a clean sheet likely, bringing on some solid stops by Ashley Morris.

The final half hour of the game was where Bala were now looking to score every time there were in possession. Their urgency paid off when they scored two goals inside two minutes. Firstly Smith scoring on 65 minutes before Sheridan again slotted the ball to get a sixth for the Lakesiders.

The final goal was yet to come, and it went the home sides way once again when Codling hit the ball past a deflated Nomads side to confirm Bala's 7-0 win in a record breaking game for them.

A hard result to swallow for Nomads who must look on both sides of the game having performed well in the first half before breaking down in the second. They will be looking forward to a game in front of the home crowd on Friday the 20th December against Prestatyn Town.

After the game, Director of Football Mark McGregor apologised for the performance, saying "I feel sorry for the fans who made the trip last night - I personally will be willing to pay their travel costs if they feel let down by me.
While I thought we did ok and unlucky not to have scored in the first half, the second half display was unacceptable and the way we capitulated was very worrying.

I will still back my players to get us out this situation - I have got them here and will do all I can to keep them here.  If any fans want to give stick, aim it in my direction because the players need all the backing they can get."