Bala Town 1-2 FC Vaduz

Bala's Kieran Smith almost scored with a fierce rising shot

Chris Venables gave Bala Town a lifeline in their Europa League first qualifying round tie against FC Vaduz.

The captain pounced after Kieran Smith's shot was spilled by Peter Jehle in the visiting goal.

Vaduz had led 2-0 at half-time after goals in quick succession from Gonzalo Zarate and Maurice Brunner.

Stuart Jones should have claimed a late equaliser for Bala but headed just wide when Nathan Burke's free-kick found him unmarked at the back post.

The return leg at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz is on Thursday, 6 July.

Ballymena United or Norwegian side Odd await the winners in the second qualifying round.

Bala manager Colin Caton told BBC Wales Sport:

"I don't think we started the game very well - we were very flat and wary of knowing the opposition.

"We still had good chances and a blatant penalty when Kieran [Smith] has gone through and has been pulled back.

"They had two chances in the first half and that's the difference at this level. It's a bit frustrating really... we have had the better chances.

"If we get the first goal out there, it's an away goal and they will be in a sticky situation.

"They were panicking towards the end here.

"It just frustrates me we have done ever so well but you have to take the chances at this level."