Category Archives: Match Report

Barry players huddle before kick-off with Caernarfon

MATCH REPORT: bruised and disappointed. Town lose to Caernarfon

Barry 0-3 Caernarfon

Jenner Park, Barry / JD Cymru Premier / Saturday 30 September 2023

Attendance: 471

Barry will feel a little bruised and disappointed with themselves as a clinical Caernarfon Town brushed them aside at Jenner Park.


Playing their third tough Cymru Premier game in a week, Steve Jenkins had to shuffle his side again due to injury, with Luc Rees making a competitive debut replacing Mike Lewis in goal, and three first choice defenders missing.

Luc Rees
Luc Rees marked his competitive debut for the Town.

Barry’s best chance of the match came after 20 minutes when the visitors struggled with clearing a corner and Harrison Bright’s cross across the face of goal was almost poked home by Kayne McLaggon.


The Caernarfon opener came out of the blue after 27 minutes. A long ball into the box wasn’t cleared and Zack Clarke teed himself up at the edge of the penalty area before lashing past Rees in the Barry goal.


Barry could have equalised when Caernarfon’s defenders misjudged their own free-kick, but despite the presence of McLaggon, Ollie Hulbert and Keenan Patten, they couldn’t punish the mistake.


Caernarfon doubled their lead just before half-time. Again the ball into the box should have been cleared but a slip by Mike George was costly, allowing Marc Williams time to advance and shoot past Rees.

Lucas Tomlinson

The visitors nearly scored a third early in the second half, but Luc Rees made an excellent double save from Adam Davies, who won the header from a corner, and was again first to the ball when Rees parried it away.


Sadly the third goal came from a Barry mistake. With Barry taking a quick free-kick, it was Caernarfon’s Marc Williams who reacted first and headed towards goal, allowing him to square the ball for Davies to finish from close range and make it 3-0.


Barry travel to face Cardiff Met on Friday night (7:45pm kick off) and then host Porthcawl Town at Jenner Park in the Welsh Cup on Saturday, 14 October (2pm kick off).

Copyright Perry Dobson

MATCH REPORT: Town edged out at Penybont

Penybont 1-0 Barry

SDM Glass Stadium, Bryntirion / JD Cymru Premier / Tuesday 26 September 2023

Attendance: 863

Barry fell to a 1-0 defeat to Penybont at SDM Glass Stadium following their opening win in the JD Cymru Premier on Saturday.


Despite a resilient effort from the Town, it was Chris Venables’ 20th minute acrobatic effort that separated the two sides in his Cymru Premier record 537th appearance.


After defeating Bala Town convincingly on Saturday, Curtis MacDonald and Evan Press were both absent from the squad against Penybont, requiring reinforcements at the back, including a first start for Ben Blythe.


Harrison Bright and Mike George both showed positive intent inside 10 minutes with efforts from range failing to challenge the keeper.

Copyright Perry Dobson

Penybont caught Mike Lewis on the edge of his box attempting to clear a long ball with a foul on Keyon Reffell, although the hosts couldn’t make the free-kick count.


Ollie Hulbert continued his arial threat with a header from a Davies corner, cleared off the line in the second half.


Harrison Bright and Kayne McLaggon shortly followed Hulbert’s chance, linking up down the right-hand side, the captain’s dangerous, low cross finding no one across the six-yard area.


Hulbert beat the offside trap looking for an equaliser, when he was eventually held up, he beat two defenders in the process of getting his shot underway, only for McLaggon to get in the way of his effort.


Rhys Davies also went close late on, with a floated in cross finding his feet before firing over.

Rhys Davies celebrating

MATCH REPORT: Town earn first win of the season. Bala defeated at Jenner Park.

Barry 3-1 Bala Town

Jenner Park, Barry / JD Cymru Premier / Saturday 23 September 2023

Attendance: 374

The Town’s summer signing Ollie Hulbert pulled the strings with a first half brace before a superbly dominant defensive performance in the second period, which included captain Kayne McLaggon assuring the result with 15 minutes to play.


Bala had chance of a fightback when substitute Josh Ukek sent an off-balanced effort off the underside of the ‘bar and in on 72 minutes, but the outcome was ultimately decided as 3-1 thanks to the hosts’ early dominance.


After a bright start, a mix-up at the back led to a two-on-two with McLaggon slipping through Hulbert to put the Town one-up with ease inside 12 minutes.


The 21-year-old added to his earlier tally on the stroke of half-time with a scrambled clearance falling to Hulbert to fire home his fifth of the season from close range.


McLaggon put the Bala hopes to sleep after the visitors pulled one back, beating the offside trap to calmly put a one-on-one effort past Kelland Absalom.


A dangerous free-kick from the visitors in the ninth minute tested Mike Lewis early, preventing an effort from sailing into top corner.


Barry weren’t shy with getting numbers into the box directly after, Hulbert once again with a chance before the recycled attack had a spectacular McLaggon overhead effort saved.

Kayne McLaggon overhead kick. Copyright Perry Dobson


McLaggon missed a chance to double the lead later on in the half when Harrison Bright went on a run down the right-hand side, squaring a low cross to the Town captain who sent his effort over the crossbar.


Within three minutes of the second half starting, Barry were dangerous with two attacks from long throw-ins. First, McLaggon heading off the crossbar from Davies’ throw, before Keenan Patten blazed over at the back post on the second effort.


Bala fought back into the game while the Town looked to shut up shop defending their two-goal lead but ultimately a solid performance from the Barry backline, including a couple of brilliant last ditch saves from Mike Lewis kept the visitors out to produce the first three points of the season.

Copyright Perry Dobson

MATCH REPORT: TOWN DEFEATED AT HOME

Barry Town 1-4 Connah’s Quay

Jenner Park / JD Cymru Premier / Saturday 9 September 2023

Attendance: 478

Barry were denied their first win in the JD Cymru Premier as Connah’s Quay Nomads came from behind to pick up all three points at Jenner Park.

The Town fell to a 4-1 defeat despite taking the lead through Ollie Hulbert, after a Jordan Davies brace and goals from Jack Kenny and John Disney flipped the result on its head.

After withstanding pressure from The Nomads for the opening stages, Ollie Hulbert headed home from a third corner in quick succession for Barry. Whipped in by Jamie Veale, the 21-year-old Hulbert secured his third goal in six games for his new club.

Minutes after, Davies had an equaliser disallowed for the Nomads, but he found the net late in the first half with a header from close range to level the game.

Kenny took just three minutes after the equaliser to put the Nomads ahead, tapping home a low cross from close range just before half-time.

The Town looked to counter throughout with Kayne McLaggon going close, notably forcing a smart save whilst the score goalless early in the first half.

Davies made up for an earlier chance to kill off the game in the second half with a 65th minute strike from the edge of the area to double his tally.

With Connah’s Quay coasting around the pitch, a quick move around the penalty area gave the captain, Disney a goal with a ball squared across the six-yard box for a simple tap in. The game was brought to a close but not before a Chris Hugh free kick forced an outstanding save from Rushton in the Nomads goal. 

The Town travel on Saturday 16th September to Newtown in search of their first win despite positive displays by Steve Jenkins’ men. 

Image courtesy of Perry Dobbins Photography

Steve Jenkins and Damien Flynn pictured at Pontypridd United. Image by Perry Dobbins Photography.

MATCH REPORT: PONTYPRIDD AWAY

Pontypridd United 1-0 Barry Town

USW Sports Park / JD Cymru Premier / Saturday 2 September 2023

Attendance: 479
Steve Jenkins and Damien Flynn at Pontypridd United. Image by Perry Dobbins Photography

A controversial first-half penalty was the only difference between the two sides at the USW Sports Ground in Treforest last Saturday.


Barry manager Steve Jenkins had a busy few days in the transfer window last week, bringing in loan signings Harrison Bright from Newport County and Ben Blythe from Swansea City, both defenders.


The Pontypridd line-up featured no fewer than four former Barry Town players, as well as former Barry manager, Lee Kendall, on the sidelines.


The game’s key moment took place in the 18th minute when Barry defender Callum Sainty shrugged off the challenge of Curtis Jemmett-Hutson in the box and was shocked to see the assistant referee flagging for a foul.


Pontypridd’s Ben Ahmun scored the resulting penalty, sending his shot low to the left of Barry ‘keeper Mike Lewis.


Barry’s best opportunity of the first half came when Jamie Veale’s free-kick forced Ponty’s George Ratcliffe to dive full length to his right.


At the other end, Ahmun hit the post, having cut inside his marker.


With fifteen minutes remaining, Ponty went down to ten men when Ethan Vaughan saw his second yellow card of the match.


Barry pushed up to try and force an equaliser. From a corner, Sam Snaith saw his downward header cleared off the line.


Minutes later, fellow substitute Lucas Tomlinson took the ball past Ratcliffe, but his shot was again stopped on the line by the outstretched leg of Ben Margetson.


Defender Ben Blythe, on his debut, also forced Ratcliffe into action, his far post header being saved.

However, Barry’s search of an equaliser left them vulnerable to Ponty’s counter-attack.

On one occasion, Corey Sheppard outpaced the defence but fired wide, while late in the game, Mike Lewis pulled off excellent one-on-one saves, firstly from Clayton Green and then from Curtis Rees.


Barry welcome Connah’s Quay Nomads to Jenner Park on Saturday, kick-off at 2:30pm.

Image courtesy of Perry Dobbins Photography

Llantwit Major 0-1 Barry Town United | JD Cymru South | Match Report

A 9th minute goal from Barry Man of the Match, Luke Cooper, was just enough to earn Barry three points in the return festive fixture at Windmill Lane.

Travelling support made up a large amount of the 550 fans at the game, as Barry went four points clear at the top of JD Cymru South.

The early goal came from a corner on the Barry left with Cooper outjumping his marker to head home.

It was a tight match, though, and Barry had to defend doggedly in the second half, especially after the sending off of Chris Hugh for a second yellow card in the 58th minute left Town down to ten men with more than half an hour to play.

Llantwit’s numerical advantage was clear and in the final minutes, Mike Lewis’s goal led a charmed life, with one effort coming back off the inside of the post, and a number of scrambled clearances inside the box, but Barry held on.

Barry Town United 2-1 Llantwit Major | JD Cymru South | Match Report

Barry Town stretched their winning run to 12 league matches as they beat Llantwit Major 2-1 at Jenner Park to keep hold of top spot in the Cymru South.

Josh Graham’s second-half strike settled the game after Nathan Evans had cancelled out Liam Warman’s opener. Barry had been under pressure before Graham’s goal and endured a tough time until they went in front for a second time.

With their victory, Lee Kendall’s men remain a point above second-placed Briton Ferry Llansawel, who comfortably saw off ten-man Goytre United. Kendall’s only blemish since succeeding Gavin Chesterfield was a Welsh Cup defeat to Gresford Athletic.

The visitors almost opened the scoring in the first attack of the game but failed to take their opportunity. Matt Kimmins dribbled into the box but Rob Jones could not scruff his shot at goal having fallen to the floor.

Barry had seen their fair share of possession in the opening stages but it was a set piece that almost saw them take the lead. Chris Hugh’s corner-kick was floated in and Luke Cooper with a free header cleared it over the bar. Liam Warman and Jordan Cotterill then had half-opportunities from uncleared corner kicks, but could only blaze their shots from outside the box over the goal.

Barry changed their game up from crosses to playing on the deck and almost scored from it. Graham tackled and from the centre, Sainty played a pass out to Warman, before receiving the ball back in the box and scooping his wide.

The deadlock was broken in fortuitous fashion with Llantwit’s hard work undone by the slippery surface. Warman received the ball from Press and drilled a low shot underneath Jack Lansdowne, who fumbled his effort, with the ball going underneath him.

Barry’s lead would be short-lived however and it could be Mike Lewis that would be looking to the heavens after relentless rain. Nathan Evans let fly from 25 yards out and it slipped out of the Barry keeper’s hands into the net.

Llantwit finished the first half strongly with Kimmins twisting and turning but his teammates’ route was blocked for a clear run at goal. Rob Jones fizzed a low attempt just past the post. A similar opportunity fell in stoppage time with Kimmins again showing neat footwork and setting up Jones, but the shot would take a deflection as it agonisingly missed the target.

The second half started with a half-opportunity for Michael George, who enjoyed his partnership with Warman in front of him. George was influential down the right side and found Sam Johnson with a delightful ball, but he was blocked numerous times by Lansdown as he tried to touch a shot home.

Llantwit carved several opportunities with Lewis almost gifting substitute Ryan Harris a gift with a low cross nearly trickling underneath him. The tricky Kimmins then had two chances to score, with one saved and another going wide.

The tenacious Graham scored his fourth goal of the season to put Barry in front. He drilled a low shot past a sea of bodies that obstructed Lansdown’s view to restore the hosts’ advantage.

Barry’s second goal gave them fresh confidence to add a third and Johnson – who endured a difficult day in front of goal – could not get a first-time shot from George’s cross.

A raft of substitutions came as the game entered the last 15 minutes and that took the sting out of the game. Llantwit did have a few half opportunities to score with Joel Woodington flashing twice two shots, but ultimately they fell to defeat.

By of Y Clwb Pêl-droed

Barry Town United 2-1 Cwmbran Celtic | JD Cymru South | Match Report

Barry Town United came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over a sturdy Cwmbran Celtic at Jenner Park.

Alex Bonthron opened the scoring for Celtic, notching his 12th goal in 11 league matches with a header. Two minutes from half-time, Josh Graham equalised with a composed finish inside the six-yard area and then Liam Warman seized the initiative by scoring the match-winning goal in the final ten minutes.

The win opened up a seven-point lead over the chasing pack after promotion rivals Llanelli Town suffered a shock home defeat to Trefelin BGC, whilst Briton Ferry Llansawel thumped Abergavenny Town to overtake the Reds.

The visitors started brightly and carved a meaningful opportunity. Alex Bonthron weaved his way through several Barry defenders but Mike Lewis in the last line of defence came out and blocked his finessed shot.

Cwmbran broke the deadlock as they made the most of their positive start. Isaac Powell’s shot deflected for a corner kick and in a crowded penalty box, Bonthron forced the ball over the line from Tom Meechan’s delivery.

Barry searched for a response after a slow start and the cautioned Graham went near as how slow shot fizzed past the post. Kayne McLaggon followed up with a header sailing over the bar from Chris Hugh’s cross.

Cwmbran almost doubled their lead through the same route as their first as Meechan’s corner landed perfectly on Andrew Hewitt’s head but Lewis tipped his shot over the bar.

Barry players appealed for a penalty kick as Graham went down under the challenge but the referee and linesman both deemed the tackle to be fair. Graham – on a yellow card – walked a tightrope as he discussed the situation with the linesman.

The scoreline was levelled up towards half-time with Celtic’s defence conceding cheaply having defended so resolutely. Graham was found in a pocket of space by Evan Press and he sliced his shot past home past Lewis Watkins.

In the second half, Barry started on the front foot and almost went in front, but for an impressive save from Watkins. Warman teed up McLaggon for a simple finish but Watkins put all of his body behind the shot to block his attempt.

The hosts controlled possession for a large chunk of the half but almost rued their ability to capitalise on their dominance as Bonthron burst down the line but as he curled in, blazed over the bar. Into the final quarter of the match, Barry created more opportunities but McLaggon miscalculated his volley.

After biding their time, Barry finally took their chance and took the lead for the first time with less than 10 minutes on the clock. Warman raced down the right flank and punished an indecisive Watkins, who retreated after coming off his line but was caught out by the quick-thinking winger.

Cwmbran sought an equaliser and were only denied by the woodwork after Shaun Moss’ shot cannoned off of the post. Adrian Maguire’s corner kick then caused problems but Barry cleared their lines. Another corner kick came in again, but Lewis stood firm when Hewitt headed at him from a tight angle.

Despite several half-opportunities for Cwmbran, they could not get back on level terms and Barry ground out for the victory.

By Jordan Jones Of

Barry Town United 1-0 Carmarthen Town | JD Cymru South | Match Report

Liam Warman scored the only goal before half time, after the red mist descended on Old Gold captain Greg Walters.

The result leaves Barry top of the table and four points clear of second placed Llanelli Town, while Carmarthen remain in fourth, nine points behind Barry.

With both sides in the upper echelons of the Cymru South table, attack was certainly going to be the recipe for success, and the opening half produced just that.

For large periods of the first half, it was Carmarthen who had the better chances. Thomas Dyson and Liam Thomas having half chances, but they came to nothing, but they were certainly in the ascendancy.

Then the game changed on the half hour mark. Greg Walters fouled Kayne McLaggon, and after the referee awarded the free kick, Walters kicked McLaggon, who was lying in pain on the floor. The referee had no option but to send him off, in what was a bonkers decision from the away captain.

The sending off certainly boosted Barry’s confidence as they pushed themselves up field and took the lead seven minutes before the half time break.

McLaggon laid the ball of to Liam Warman on the edge of the area. His shot took a deflection and looped over a back-pedalling Nicholas Jones, who had no chance of saving it, and Barry were in the lead at the break.

There’s no doubting Barry were looking to turn the screw after the break, and almost doubled their lead. Jordan Cotterill’s effort looked destined to nestle in the net, but Matthew Delaney made a goal line clearance to keep the deficit to one.

Warman then had a chance to convert a Josh Graham cross, but he couldn’t get any connection on it. If he did, the lead would have been doubled.

For large swathes of the second half, however, the game was played in Carmarthen’s half, and a combination of Barry not executing in the final third and Carmarthen not able to get out and counter made for a tough watch at times.

Carmarthen did find themselves further up the field in the final stages of the game, but their efforts came to nothing, and they left Jenner Park defeated.

Barry will face Cwmbran Celtic at Jenner Park next week, while Carmarthen will welcome Taffs Well to Richmond Park.

By

 

Image Credit: Louis James

Cambrian and Clydach 1-2 Barry Town United | JD Cymru South | Match Report

A return to league action last Friday night saw Barry return to winning ways and continue their impressive winning streak in the league.

Cambrian started the game brightest and after 19 minutes they were rewarded for their efforts when Liam Eason dispatched a penalty for the home side.

By half time Barry would have felt hard done by to go in 1-0 down having created a number of good chances that Johnson the Cambrian keeper was able to save.

The pattern of play continued into the second half and after 56 minutes Liam Warman cut inside from the left hand side and stuck a thunderous shot into the top right corner giving Barry their equaliser.

With the equaliser found, Barry continued their ascendancy and 10 minutes later Mclaggon found himself through over the top. Crossing the ball across the box, Jordan Cotterill was on hand to convert the chance and give Barry all three points.

Although a late chance for Cambrian could have seen them seal a draw, Mike Lewis was one hand to make a fantastic save to keep Barry in the lead and see out the result.