Connah’s Quay were denied all three points the opportunity to take a three point lead at the top of the Welsh Premier League after a late penalty forced them to split the points with Bala Town.

Chris Venables converted from the spot with five minutes following a strong spell of pressure from the Lakesiders.

With league leader’s The New Saints in Irn-Bru Cup action this weekend, Mike Wilde’s fourth goal of the season seemed enough for Connah’s Quay to take full advantage.

Nathan Woolfe and Callum Morris combined late in the first half to pick out Wilde, who duly headed home.

The Nomads had started strongly with Woolfe and Morris both going close early on.

Jordan Evans threatened with Bala’s best chance of opening half with a finely-struck 25-yard effort which flashed wide past the post.

The hosts mounted more of threat in the second period and the most effective defence in the WPL remained unbeaten when Connah’s Quay hooked away a desperate scramble inside the six-yard box.

That defence would finally be breached when substitute Andrai Jones was bundled over inside the area in the 85-minute, with Venables ensuring Bala’s perseverance paid off.

Bala Town 1 Chris Venables 85′(p)
Connah’s Quay Nomads 1 Mike Wilde 37′

Bala Town
1. Ashley Morris, 2. Ryan Valentine, 4. Stuart Jones, 5. Stuart J Jones, 25. Chris Venables, 8. Nathan Burke, 18. Jordan Evans (7. Andrai Jones 76′), 9. Mike Hayes (27. David Thompson 16′), 10. Ian Sheridan (11. Evan Horwood 76′), 17. Glenn Rule, 12. Les Davies. Subs not used: 23. Craig Vernon (gk), 15. Will Bell

Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: S.Jones 69′

Connah’s Quay Nomads
1. John Danby, 9. Michael Wilde, 11. Nathan Woolfe (22. Michael Bakare 58′), 7. Ryan Wignall (18. Joe Heath 90′), 3. Kai Edwards, 5. George Horan, 2. Mike Pearson, 15. Sean Smith, 6. Danny Harrison, 8. Callum Morris, 14. Matty Owen (16. James Owen 72′). Subs not used: 19. Jake Phillips, 10. Matthew Williams

Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Wignall 37′ Horan 89′

Attendance: 203 Referee: Kevin Parry

Featured image: NCM Media/Connah’s Quay/Welsh Premier League