European heartache for the Welsh Premier duo

IT was a case of so near yet so far for Cefn Druids as they bowed out of the UEFA Europa League following a narrow 2-1 aggregate preliminary round defeat by Lithuanian side FK Trakai.

With the tie well poised at 1-1, Huw Griffiths’ side went into their second leg in Lithuania with it all to play for despite having been denied a famous victory by a late leveller in the first leg at Park Hall seven days earlier.

In the end the sides would be separated by a penalty just before the half hour mark from former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – after keeper Michael Jones had brought down Justinas Marazas inside the box.

It was almost so different though, as sub Jonathan Taylor came within inches of heading the game into extra-time with the last touch, rising tallest to meet Naim Arsan’s deep cross but agonisingly missing the goal.

“We’ve done our best and thrown everything at them,” said Druids defender Nathan Peate. “It was a great result at home, we needed that one goal but we’ve done ourselves proud.”

Meanwhile it was a case of what might have been for Bala Town as they recorded a 1-0 win over SP Tre Fiori of San Marino at Rhyl’s Belle Vue ground – but it was not enough to prevent them from slipping out 3-1 on aggregate.

Colin Caton’s side had left themselves with a mountain to climb after some costly defensive errors saw them crash 3-0 in the first leg.

Having been frustrated by their visitors, Bala finally broke the deadlock on 77 minutes when Nathan Burke prodded home to give them a lifeline.

The Lakesiders had the ball in the net again eight minutes from time through sub Steven Tames but it was ruled out for offside and, despite piling on the pressure, Bala were unable get the two further goals they needed to force extra-time.

“Disappointed obviously for all the fans and for the players as well,” said man of the match Sean Smith. We should have beaten them at their place and we have beaten them here. I am proud of the lads for the result tonight and, as we’ve said in the changing room, we’ve got to take that into new season now.”