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Bala Battle Will Take Escape Route Clash With Flint to Final Day

Bala Town manager Steve Fisher. Pic: FAW

Bala Town manager Steve Fisher. Pic: FAW

Steve Fisher has spoken of his pride in his Bala Town side as they refuse to surrender their top-flight status in domestic Welsh football without a fight.

The Lakesiders have set up a dramatic final day showdown that will decide their fate in the JD Wales Premier.

Bala’s emphatic 5-0 victory away to Llanelli Town has kept their survival hopes alive and ensured the relegation battle will go down to the wire. 

The result, combined with Flint Town United slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Haverfordwest County, means just two points now separate Bala and Flint heading into the final round of fixtures on April 18.

With goal difference also no longer a separating factor, the equation is simple — one of the two will drop out of the top tier alongside Llanelli, while the other survives.

For Fisher, however, the focus has been firmly on his own team’s resilience and determination in recent weeks, with Bala collecting eight points from their last five matches to give themselves a fighting chance.

“Before the game I said we needed to be more productive in front of goal and told the players it’s time we gave someone a drilling,” said Bala manager Fisher.

“We did it today – and we could have had a couple more goals as well.

“I’m proud of the clean sheet and the performance. 

“Given the situation we are in it would be difficult for a team to fold, wither away and slip out the back door, but we are going to keep fighting right to the very end.”

That defiance was clear throughout their dominant display. Cam Ferguson continued his impressive form by opening the scoring with his fourth goal in as many matches, before Ross White doubled the advantage before the break. 

After half-time, Jacob Tarasenko struck twice, with Sam Billington also getting on the scoresheet to complete a convincing win that also delivered a third clean sheet in five games.

The victory has piled pressure on Flint, who now face a nervy conclusion to their campaign. 

Their defeat to Haverfordwest came courtesy of a Ben Ahmun strike late in a blustery first half, leaving them unable to find a response and dangerously close to the drop zone.

Flint’s situation is further complicated by a packed schedule, with the club also preparing for the JD Welsh Cup final against Caernarfon Town at Rodney Parade on April 12 — a match that offers silverware but also adds to the pressure during a crucial period.

Their final league fixture will see them travel to face Cardiff Met, while Bala host Briton Ferry Llansawel, who themselves remain in contention for a European play-off spot after a 3-1 victory over Cardiff Met thanks to first-half goals from Alex Gammond, Tom Walters and Kian Jenkins.

At the top end of the table, The New Saints continued their dominant campaign by extending their lead to 20 points with a 2-1 win over Connah's Quay Nomads, marking their title-winning season in style. 

Meanwhile, Barry Town United secured home advantage in the European play-offs with a 2-0 win at Penybont, and Caernarfon boosted their confidence ahead of the cup final with a 2-0 success over Colwyn Bay.

Yet the spotlight firmly remains on the battle at the bottom — and on Bala’s refusal to give in.

Fisher’s pride in his players reflects a team that has rediscovered belief at the most critical moment, ensuring the fight for survival will go right down to the final whistle of the season.

 

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