Barry Town United suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Penybont on Friday night, despite James Lester giving the visitors an early lead at the DragonBet Stadium
The Town made two changes to their starting line-up, with Rhys Schwank and Keston Davies both making their first starts of the season. There were also first-team debuts for Joseph Fahiya and Abdou Njie in the second half.
FIRST HALF
In blustery conditions, the Town almost made the perfect start when Jack Shaw struck the crossbar from inside the box in the fourth minute following excellent work and a cross from Mikey George. Penybont hit the woodwork themselves moments later as both sides threatened early on.
Will Richards was forced off through injury in the ninth minute, with Josh Bernard introduced in his place.
Barry took the lead in the 12th minute. George delivered a free-kick into the penalty area, where James Lester stayed onside and produced a superb header over the goalkeeper to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
However, Penybont responded six minutes later through Cann, who levelled the scores at 1-1.
The hosts began to apply sustained pressure, with George Ratcliffe called into action to deal with efforts from outside the box. Barry briefly thought they had regained the lead when Callum Sainty headed home from another George free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Penybont were then awarded a penalty following a VAR review in the 37th minute, which they converted to take a 2-1 lead.
Ratcliffe produced an excellent save to tip a header over the crossbar shortly before the break as Barry looked to limit the damage. The Town had opportunities to threaten on the counter-attack, but the hosts went into half-time ahead.
Half-time: Penybont 2-1 Barry Town United
SECOND HALF
Barry looked to respond after the restart, but Penybont extended their advantage in the 53rd minute. A ball over the top sent an attacker through one-on-one with Ratcliffe, who was unable to prevent the finish as the hosts made it 3-1.
The Town goalkeeper was called upon again four minutes later, making an important save before eventually claiming the ball following a scramble from the resulting corner.
Barry continued to search for a way back into the contest. Schwank showed good movement to get into the box after a ball over the top from Ellis Williams, but his attempted lob was gathered by the Penybont goalkeeper.
Schwank later produced an impressive piece of individual skill, taking on four defenders, although he was unable to get a shot away.
Penybont had opportunities to put the game beyond doubt, including a chance in the 69th minute when they fired wide with the goal seemingly at their mercy. Wood then curled an effort narrowly wide from distance as the hosts continued to threaten.
There was a positive moment for Barry in the 74th minute when 18-year-old Joseph Fahiya entered the action to make his Cymru Premier debut. The academy graduate, who is the nephew of long-serving Barry player Drew Fahiya, has spent 12 years at the club.
Fahiya showed glimpses of his ability soon after coming on, producing some neat skill to beat a Penybont midfielder.
Barry suffered another injury concern late on when captain Callum Sainty went down holding his knee. Abdou Njie replaced him in the 90th minute, marking another milestone for the club as the academy graduate made his first-team debut after three years in the academy.
Despite their efforts, the Town were unable to find a way back into the game, with the final whistle confirming a 3-1 defeat.
Full-time: Penybont 3-1 Barry Town United
Att – 1,332