Bala Town have been dealt a blow in their pre-season preparations after reluctantly agreeing to release forward Kieran Smith from his contract following an offer to play in New Zealand.

Smith’s departure was confirmed following the side’s 4-2 win over Caernarfon Town on the weekend – a match which celebrated assistant manager Stephen Fisher’s 12-years service with the club.

Smith scored the decisive winning goal in Bala’s famous Welsh Cup victory over The New Saints at the end of last season and is understood to have signed an agreement to return to the club for the 2018-19 season after his season in New Zealand.

The hard-working forward had been with the Bala for four seasons making 123 appearances, scoring 29 goals.

Colin Caton has also announced that former Chester player Evan Horwood has joined the club ahead of Monday night’s pre-season friendly between the two sides.

The 31-year-old was released by Chester last week and Caton was pleased to have been able to quickly tie up the deal.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have secured the services of Evan Horwood. Having been approached by Evan about his interest in going part-time a while ago, we were instantly interested.

“He is a top class player who can play anywhere down the left and centre midfield. He is a good personality that will fit in well with the rest of the squad.”

Horwood’s arrival takes the number of new signings at Maes Tegid up to four this summer with Les Davies, Eddie Toner and Andrai Jones all signing. That number could be set to further increase with the possible arrival of central midfielder Glenn Rule.

Rule is believed to be on trial with Bala after returning to the Welsh Premier League with Airbus last season following a spell with Stockport County and is thought to have featured for on the weekend.

Veteran attacking midfielder Mark Connolly has joined recently relegated Rhyl FC following his release from the club.