LIVE FOOTBALL | Bala Town v Newtown | JD Cymru Premier play-off semi-final

Bala Town (5th) v Newtown (6th) | Friday – 19:45 (S4C online)
‘Momentum’ is the magic word that repeatedly pops up before the play-offs, and unfortunately for Bala Town, momentum is something that they’re severely lacking.

Following their worst ever run in the league of 12 games without a win, the Lakesiders lost 6-0 against The New Saints last Sunday which was the heaviest defeat in a Welsh Cup final since 1931.

But now it all boils down to two games – two victories and Bala Town will be in Europe for the ninth time since 2013.

Newtown could not have picked a more ideal opponent for their semi-final, as Bala Town are the only team they’ve beaten since the turn of the year.

In their 13 fixtures so far in 2013, Newtown have lost eight, drawn three, and won twice against Bala Town.

But Colin Caton’s crew have magical memories of the play-offs as they finished 7th in 2012/13 before seeing off Connah’s Quay, Bangor City and Port Talbot to qualify for Europe for the first time in the club’s history.

Newtown have won the play-offs twice – the first occasion in 2014/15 as they qualified for the third time in their history, and for the first time since 1998.

Then after a six year gap the Robins returned to Europe via the play-offs in 2020/21, beating Caernarfon Town in a thrilling final (Cfon 3-5 New), before finishing 3rd last season to reach Europe for the fifth occasion.

Therefore, Bala Town are aiming for a fourth consecutive qualification whilst Newtown aim for three on the bounce, but whoever loses Friday’s match will certainly need to survive next season on a much tighter budget.

League form:
Bala Town: ❌❌❌❌➖

Newtown: ❌❌✅❌❌

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