We are back!
The 2022/23 season is almost upon us as our Europa Conference League campaign kicks off on July 7th. Pre-season now awaits with the Lakesiders ready to take on Cymru Premier champions The New Saints at Park Hall.
The Match
TNS vs Bala Town
Pre-season friendly
Park Hall, SY11 4AS
Tuesday, June 21st, 7:45 pm kick-off.
Admission - Free!
Insight into our opponents
Last season, TNS achieved league success following a two-year absence as champions. They dominated the league from start to finish ending the year with a 21-point gap to us in second. It was a successful first full year in charge for Anthony Limbrick who became their manager at the end of the 2020/21 season. The Australian would go on to complete the double with The Saints as they defeated Penybont 3-2 in the Welsh Cup final at the Cardiff City Stadium.
So far this summer the champions have yet to add to their already strong side. They have seen plenty of departures however with the likes of Louis Robles and Dean Ebbe both moving on to pastures new.
Danger Man
Declan McManus - A first year in Welsh domestic football brought two trophies and a golden boot for McManus following his switch from Dunfermline last summer. TNS paid a club-record fee for their man and he proved good value scoring 24 league goals this past season, firing them towards the title. Not only that, but McManus helped his side have a successful campaign in Europe. He scored six goals and grabbed two assists in the club's Europa Conference League run. This includes his monumental hat-trick against Viktoria Plzen.
Previous Meeting
Our previous meeting with TNS came at Maes Tegid on the back end of last season as Bala secured a pivotal point against the champions. A point that would see us continue our momentum helping secure Europe for yet another season. Two minutes into that occasion our optimism crumbled as the visitors took a quick lead with Jordan Williams tucking home the easiest of chances. The Lakesiders would respond early in the second half through Nathan Peate as he headed home a Paul Rutherford corner. We would battle through the rest of the game in a strong showing to secure a draw against The Saints.
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