Neath FC 2-0 Bala Town – Sunday 12^th February 2012

A superb Lee Trundle double helped fire Neath FC to a 2-0 win over Bala Town at the Gnoll on Sunday.

The Eagles welcomed Udo Nwoko into the starting line up to make his Neath FC debut, the Maltese international was also on the bench for the 2-1 win over TNS. The home side also welcomed Matthew Collins back into the starting line up with new signing Joe Holt taking a place on the bench.

Both sides began extremely solid in defence with the only noticeable attempts in the opening ten minutes a long shot which flew wide from Craig Hughes and a Lee Hunt free kick from 30 yards which was saved well by Lee Kendall. It looked like we would have to see something very special to opening the scoring in this game; this was delivered on 12 minutes as the home side took the lead.

Lee Trundle has built his whole football career on performing the spectacular. And this was no difference as the former Swansea City man found the bottom right corner of Terry McCormicks net with a 25 yard free kick that he had earned himself. A fantastic free kick from Trundle.

The first half lacked real chances as both sides defences seemed to block out any attacking threat. However, Ian Sheridan for Bala had a very good chance in the last moments on the first half to equalise and he fired his shot just wide with only Lee Kendall to beat.

HALF TIME: NEATH FC 1-0 BALA TOWN FC

The second half began with both teams looking slightly brighter attackingly. Luke Cummings nearly increased the lead for Neath with an attempt from the right only to see McCormick tip the ball just over the crossbar. The home side did not have to wait long for a second though as ‘Magic Daps’ soon found the back of the net again.

Udo Nwoko on his debut played the ball into Trundle on the edge of the Bala Town penalty box, the forward then quickly turned and snap shot. His attempt was too fast for McCormick who had to watch as it flew into the bottom right corner to give Trundle his 6^th goal of the season.

Kendall in the Eagle’s goal was very happy for his solid defensive colleagues on 60 minutes. A mix up at the back left Kendall high and dry and the Bala forwards advancing, however Matthew Rees superbly covered the keeper and cleared before the away side could finish over their fine move.

On 68 minutes Chris Jones was sent off for his second bookable offence. Due to this being Chris’ second sending off for 2 bookable offences this season it means he will miss an extra game. Meaning the Eagle’s lose one of their key players for 2 games instead of 1. A big loss at a crucial stage of the season.

The home side hung on rather comfortably with 10 men, things could have been much more tense but for a superb goal line clearance from Luke Cummings on 87 minutes. The impressive Ian Sheridan fired a volley past Kendall from inside the area only for Cummings to head the ball out for a corner fantastically.

FULL TIME: NEATH FC 2-0 BALA TOWN FC

A fantastic result for Neath, a very equal game to be fair to Bala Town. The main difference in the sides today was the quality possessed by Lee Trundle. The forward showed that at 35 years old he can still play with 2 great goals to set the home side on the way to victory. The Eagles are in cup action at Llanelli AFC on Wednesday evening. Kick off at Stebonheath is 19:30.

Neath FC: Lee Kendall, Jack Lewis (Ian Hillier, 80), Matthew Rees, Kai Edwards, Luke Cummings, Matthew Collins, Adie Harris, Craig Hughes (Luke Bowen, 66), Chris Jones, Lee Trundle, Udo Nwoko (Joe Holt, 73).

Subs Not Used: Kris O’Leary, Laurie Marsh, Toby Jones, Kerry Nicholas.

Goal Scorers: Lee Trundle (12, 54)

Yellow Cards: Chris Jones (8) Adie Harris (88) Luke Cummings (89)

Red Cards: Chris Jones (68)

Bala Town FC: Terry McCormick, John Irving, Ben Collins, Stuart Jones, Michael Byron (Peter Doran, 79), Conall Murtagh (Stephen Brown, 21), Mark Connolly, Mark Jones, Lee Hunt, Ian Sheridan, Ross Jefferies.

Subs Not Used: Danny Williams, Steff Edwards, Chris Mason.

Yellow Cards: Ross Jefferies (88)

Red Cards: None

Referee: Dean John

Attendance: 231