Town in final (From Barry And District News)

Town in final

Barry Town 2 TON PENTRE o

(after extra time)

BARRY Town booked their place in the Welsh Cup Final against Bangor City, with this win over Ton Pentre.

Ton promised some Rhondda spirit and they did not disappoint. Bravely playing 4-4-2, the Welsh League leaders defended superbly well and held Barry for 105 minutes.

Looking to play in the League of Wales next term Ton will probably hold their own and have plenty of courage and desire.

Barry supporters were frustrated with their team as they failed to make the most of chances, but it was not so easy on a hard pitch combined with the strong wind.

The two goals came in the second period of extra time, courtesy of Richard Kennedy and Jamie Moralee with Moralee claiming a touch on Kennedy's ground shot. Kenny Brown, not fully fit was on the bench to allow Kennedy the anchor role.

Barry dominated the early stages and immediately went on the attack. An early Gary Lloyd free kick swerved across the face of the goal. Ton's goal seemed charmed as Fackrell almost headed into his own net and Moralee missed with a close range header.

Ton had a few chances, Fackrell heading just over as the Barry defence froze and Lee Randall couldn't believe that he hit wide from close range.

No score at half time and the second half had few chances and few moments to spark the large Barry support. With the minutes ticking away people were heard to say: "We just can't see a goal coming."

Certainly Ton were courageous and 0-0 after 90 minutes was to their credit. An uneventful first period of extra time changed within a minute of the second spell. Kennedy whad settled better into the game, hit a ground shot into the corner in the 100th minute.

Moralee claimed a touch on the ball and was undoubtedly the second goal scorer when Jon French worked the ball well to him on the right.

Relief from the Barry supporters and another Welsh Cup Final for Barry who defeated TNS 2-0 in last year's final. The highlight was a superb Moralee volley which he attributed to his late aunt 'Carol' as a tribute to her.

With Barry and Bangor in the final and both looking likely to be the top two in the league both teams will qualify for Europe. One in the Champions League and one in the UEFA Cup. TNS if they finish third should also get an UEFA place whilst the fourth team will get the Inter Toto place.

At least eight teams are in the running for that spot and a FAW Premier Cup place so there is plenty to play for.

Barry Town Manager Kenny Brown was unhappy about his team's performance against Ton Pentre. "It was disappointing certain players did not make the right decisions and at times in the first half we allowed them too much space. Still we're through and play Bangor, but I'm not happy that the final is at Aberystwyth."

Not wanting to criticise Aberystwyth FC, Kenny was rather disappointed that the venue was not more prestigious. "This important cup competition is being devalued" said Ken. "It's being televised by BBC TV, and will be more attractive at say Wrexham or even the Millennium Stadium. It's a beautiful trophy and the winner will qualify for Europe. The League of Wales has the same parity with Italy, Germany or England. We deserve better from the powers that be."

Kenny Brown has his eyes not just on the Welsh Cup Final, but also on the League Championship. "We want the double again and we can do it. The players attitude is as ever first class," said the former West Ham player.