Dragons roar again (From Barry And District News)

Dragons roar again

CAERSWS 0, BARRY 3 (FAW Premier Cup)

BARRY put two successive home defeats behind them with this hard fought win over plucky Caersws on Tuesday evening.

The Bluebirds fought for every ball, but Barry were up for this game and deservedly won through to the semi finals.

An even first half was separated by a Dave Toomey goal made when Flynn worked well down the left and Barry were 1-0 up after 23 minutes. The Bluebirds to be fair worked the ball well and showed considerable skill, almost equalised when Barry keeper David Forde gratefully collected a ball which ricocheted around the penalty box.

The second half continued in the same vein and was often physical. Richard Kennedy and Mike Flynn were booked for successive fouls on home midfielder Graham Jones.

Caersws forced a series of corners as they chased an equaliser but Barry went further ahead when a long clearance by Forde picked out Toomey, who crossed to Flynn for 2-0 after 66 minutes with an angled drive.

It was 3-0 after 83 minutes when a similar ball found French who centred to give Kennedy the easiest of chances to make the game safe for Barry. Caersws manager Mickey Evans was magnanimous in defeat saying his team gave it their all but wished Barry well in the semi-finals.

This Saturday Barry travel to Carmarthen who lost to Wrexham 4-2 in another semi-final. The bus leaves at 12 noon, ring Tim on 734050 to book.

Next Wednesday Barry will show a European Night video in the players lounge. All are welcome for a 7pm start.

BARRY 1 CWMBRAN 2

If Kenny Brown lost sleep last week, he will declare himself an insomniac this week after this dreadful League Cup performance by his players last Saturday.

Barry were third rate, outclassed and outplayed by part-timers!

An ex-Barry stalwart declared that in his opinion the Barry players were simply not fit. When he played against previous teams, he said, Barry were so strong in the last 20 minutes that he and his team mates would struggle to keep up.

Quite honestly, there were players on the pitch who did not look good enough to wear a Barry Town shirt. Overall, Barry lacked flair, imagination, self belief and the desire to win. They were unable to retain the ball or put a decent move together for 90 minutes, save possibly the move that produced the goal.

Had Barry won, they would have met Caersws. They already have to play them in the Welsh Cup. At the moment they have no chance of beating them.

Cwmbran deserved to win and certainly Barry Town AFC hold no fears for them whatsoever.

Last week Barry were at the crossroads, and they remain there, undecided on which turn to take. Unless Kenny can inject new life into his team, then his only option is to sign better players.

Barry started off quite well with a seventh minute goal. New recruit Julian Edwards sent Jamie Jenkins down the left and Jamie Moralee scrambled the ball home from his accurate cross.

BARRY CRASH OUT OF LEAGUE CUP

Jon French volleyed on target but Cwmbran keeper O'Hagan denied him. Barry looked shakey defensively and young keeper Richard Johnson had to save smartly from Jason Welsh.

Welsh looks a good prospect and almost scored with a snap volley from 25 yards which just dipped over the bar.

It looked increasingly likely that an equaliser was on its way and in the 32nd minute Cottrell levelled when he shot into an empty net after Johnson had parried a header from James.

Shortly before the break Gary Lloyd hit a superb free kick just over the bar. The second half was a complete disappointment as Barry failed to trouble the Crows. Passes continually went astray and the midfield was flat and unproductive.

Disappointing skipper Jon French and Gary Lloyd were replaced by Mike Flynn and Lee Pratt after the Crows had taken a 2-1 lead.

Nothing changed, however, and home supporters went away dismayed at another poor display.

The winning goal deserves a mention, a stunning shot by Craig Hughes from the right which dipped over Richard Johnson, giving him no chance. Barry: Johnson 7, Phillips 5, York 6, Morgan 7, Lloyd 6, French 5, Kennedy 4, Jenkins 5, Ramasut 6, Edwards 6, Moralee 6. Subs Flynn, Pratt, Brown (not used).