By James Dow
Ahead of today’s JD Cymru Premier MD13 encounter at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, we’ve taken a closer look at Bala Town with Meet the Opposition!
History
Bala Town were founded in 1880, with the first recorded instance of the Lakesiders competing in the National League coming during the 1921–22 season. The club moved to their current home, Maes Tegid, in the early 1950s, where they have played ever since. During the 1950s and early 1960s, Bala competed in the National League Wrexham Area and the Cambrian Coast League before rejoining the National League in the 1963–64 campaign. The club earned promotion to Division Two in 1967–68 and achieved back-to-back promotions to reach Division One. The Lakesiders remained in the top division for 20 years before being relegated in the 1987–88 season.
Over the next 15 years, Bala moved between the top two divisions until Colin Caton took charge during the 2003–04 season. Caton guided the club to the Welsh National League title in his first year, earning promotion to the Cymru Alliance. After five seasons at that level, Bala were promoted to the Cymru Premier in 2008–09, where they have remained ever since. During this period, the Lakesiders have qualified for European competition on several occasions, facing sides such as AIK Fotboll of Sweden, Standard Liège of Belgium, and Northern Irish outfit Larne. Their most recent European campaign came two summers ago, when they narrowly lost 3–2 on aggregate to Estonian side Paide Linnameeskond.
Form
Bala are currently three games without a win, with their last victory coming in a 1-0 triumph over Colwyn Bay back in September. The Lakesiders made a strong start to the season, winning three of their opening five matches, and now sit sixth in the table as they aim to secure a top six finish for Phase Two. However, goals have been hard to come by, with just ten scored in the league so far, with only Llanelli Town managing fewer.
Manager
Steve Fisher was appointed Bala Town’s first team manager in the summer, succeeding Colin Caton who spent just under 23 years in charge of the Lakesiders. Fisher had served as Caton’s assistant since 2019, with Ryan Valentine also stepping up to the role of head coach. As a player, Fisher enjoyed spells in the Welsh leagues with Holywell Town, Rhyl, Caernarfon Town and Bala Town, where he eventually retired in 2011. So far this season, he has overseen 14 games in all competitions, winning five, and currently holds a points-per-game average of 1.29.
Captain
Nathan Burke rejoined Bala Town in January 2023 for his second spell with the club, having previously spent four years with the Lakesiders from 2016. A product of the Liverpool academy, the midfielder joined Warrington Town in 2013, spending two-and-a-half seasons with the Cheshire-based side before making the move to Bala — his first venture into Welsh football.
Burke made an immediate impact during his debut season, playing a key role in helping Bala lift the Welsh Cup for the first time in the club’s history, defeating The New Saints in the final. During his initial spell, he made just under 140 appearances, featuring six times in European competition and scoring in a 1-0 victory over San Marino side Tre Fiori , although Bala eventually lost 3-1 on aggregate.
After leaving Bala, Burke joined FC United of Manchester before returning to his hometown club, City of Liverpool FC, where he went on to captain the side. Since rejoining Bala in 2023, the 30-year-old has been a key figure in midfield, making 76 appearances over the past two seasons. He had featured in every league game this campaign up until the defeat to Connah’s Quay Nomads on Tuesday, contributing two assists — in the 1-1 draw with Flint Town United on the opening day and the 1-0 victory over Colwyn Bay in September.
Key Player
Hussein Mehasseb has been in fine form for the Lakesiders this season, netting six league goals in 12 appearances. Like Burke, the striker is in his second spell with the club, having first joined Bala at the start of last season from Kosovo Superleague side KF Malisheva. Despite being just 23 years old, Mehasseb boasts experience across Europe, having played in Scotland, Egypt, Lithuania, Cyprus, and Kosovo before making the move to Maes Tegid. Across his two spells with Bala, he has scored 14 goals in 34 appearances, most recently finding the net in Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Connah’s Quay Nomads. The forward has also represented his country, making his debut for Egypt’s Under-20 side at just 16 years old.
