Barry Town United started their FAW Welsh Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tredegar Town AFC at home, with Callum Sainty and Noah Daley finding the net in either half.
The Town dominated proceedings for large periods, creating numerous opportunities throughout the afternoon, but had to wait until the closing stages to secure the result after an impressive performance from the visiting goalkeeper.
First Half
Before kick-off, both sides paid tribute to Steve Morris, who played for Barry Town in 1994 and featured in the Welsh Cup final against Cardiff City. A Tredegar supporter, Morris was remembered as the visitors laid a bunch of flowers before the players shook hands.
Barry made a fast start and took the lead just nine minutes into the contest. A superb ball in behind the Tredegar defence found captain Callum Sainty, who timed his run perfectly before sliding the ball past the goalkeeper to give the hosts an early advantage.
The Town continued to push for a second, with Mikey George causing problems down the right flank. His deliveries created several dangerous situations, while Owen Cuddihy also provided quality from the opposite side.
Noah Daley tested the Tredegar goalkeeper from distance in the 22nd minute, forcing a low save, before further pressure resulted in a series of corners for the hosts.
Barry came close to doubling their advantage on several occasions. Keston Davies headed over from a corner, while further opportunities fell to Sainty and the Town’s attacking players as they looked to make their dominance count.
Jack Shaw impressed in midfield, producing some excellent work to help drive Barry forward and create opportunities for Daley. However, the final pass repeatedly prevented the hosts from extending their lead.
Tredegar offered little attacking threat during the opening 45 minutes, with their first notable opportunity arriving on the counter-attack late in the half. Barry remained in control and went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.
Second Half
Tredegar looked to respond after the restart, but Barry continued to threaten, with George once again at the heart of the action. The winger drove forward from inside his own half before beating defenders and winning a corner just three minutes into the second period.
Davies headed wide from the resulting delivery as the hosts searched for breathing space.
Barry continued to create chances through set-pieces and open play. George tested the goalkeeper from the edge of the area following a well-worked free-kick routine, while James Lester saw an effort blocked after finding space inside the box.
Tredegar threatened from a dangerous free-kick in the 66th minute, but Barry dealt with the delivery before goalkeeper George Ratcliffe claimed the resulting corner.
The Town then began to turn up the pressure again. Daley saw an effort blocked in the 68th minute before substitute Rhys Schwank, introduced alongside Josh Bernard, forced an excellent save at the near post just a minute later.
Schwank brought fresh energy to the attack, producing some excellent individual play down the right and winning another corner in the 78th minute.
One of Barry’s best opportunities arrived in the 80th minute when Schwank found Jack Shaw with a ball over the top. Shaw and Daley found themselves in a two-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, but Daley’s first-time effort was saved, keeping Tredegar in the contest.
Further pressure followed, with Daley seeing another effort blocked before Barry eventually found the crucial second goal in the 86th minute.
Noah Daley made no mistake to double Barry’s advantage, finally giving the hosts the breathing space their performance had warranted.
With the result all but secured, Barry continued to push for a third goal. Shaw fired wide from the edge of the area in stoppage time before Joe Fahiya replaced Daley in the 93rd minute, making his home debut for the club.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for the Town, who progressed in the Welsh Cup after a dominant display and a series of chances created throughout the afternoon.