TWO late goals from Udi Akpan were not enough to save Colwyn Bay from a 3-2 Boxing Day defeat against Bala Town.

With Sam Hart missing from defence, Bay’s first half performance was well below par and they were a goal down after 12 minutes when Naim Arsen curled a 20-yard free kick into the top corner.

George Newall added a second nine minutes later as the visitors capitalised on some poor Bay defending.

Bay struggled to create an opening, although Matty Hill brought a low save from Bala keeper Kelland Absalom from Udi Akpan’s pass.

Bala were well in control and Bay goalkeeper Joe Smith made saves from Ross White and Ryan Rogers, while Sam Downey made a great challenge to prevent Rogers from breaking clear.

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In the second half, Paulo Mendes had a header deflected wide of the Bay goal, and Joe Smith made good saves from George Newall and Joe Malkin, before Bala added their third goal with Ross White’s back post header from an Aeron Edwards corner.

Cai Owen cleared off the line from Ollie Shannon to prevent a fourth Bala goal, before the introduction of Will McKinley from the bench sparked a late Bay rally.

McKinley’s pass set up Udi Akpan for a close range finish on 79 minutes, before Akpan scored from the spot in the 87th minute, his sixth goal in six games.

Manager Steve Evans brought himself on in a late bid to snatch an equaliser, but Bala held out to take the three points in an exciting finale.

Defeat leaves the Seagulls in tenth place, while Bala continue their charge for a European qualification spot.

COLWYN BAY: Joe Smith, Alex Downes, Stef Edwards, Cai Owen (Steve Evans 90), Sam Downey, Tom McCready, Matty Hill (Sam Turner 66), Nick Rushton, Dan Jones, Tom Creamer (Will McKinley 79), Udi Akpan. Subs not used: Szymon Tyszko, Lloyd Marsh-Hughes. Joel Giblin.