Europa Conference League: Late heartbreak for Bala in Estonia

Bala Town were knocked out of the Europa Conference League as Estonian side Paide scored a goal in extra-time stoppage time to secure a 3-2 aggregate win.

Bala had lost the first leg 2-1 at The New Saints’ Park Hall a week earlier, but Josh Ukek’s stoppage time penalty gave the north Wales side a lifeline.

In the second leg, Osebi Abadaki fired over the crossbar for Bala early on before Colin Caton’s side levelled the tie on aggregate.

Captain Nathan Peate headed home Lassana Mendes’ corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in Estonia.

Mendes also fired for over the crossbar for Bala while Siim Luts went close with a header for the hosts.

George Newell headed wide with 20 minutes remaining, while Kieran Smith – back at Bala on a short-term deal – had his header saved by keeper Ebrima Jarju.

The hosts had chances to win the tie but Bala held out to take the game into extra-time, during which substitute Ukek went agonisingly close with a free-kick that flew past the post.

Bala had to play the final nine minutes of extra-time with 10 men, after Alex Downes was sent-off after receiving a second yellow card.

But with the game seemingly heading for penalties Bala hearts were broken in stoppage time when Oskar Hoim scored to level on the night and put his side through 3-2 on aggregate.