Double achieved (From Barry And District News)

Double achieved

ONCE again Barry achieved the domestic double of Cup and League, beating Bangor 4 - 1 in the Welsh Cup Final.

This is the second year running that Barry have done it and the icing on the cake for Kenny Brown's men. A brilliant triumph for players and management.

After Peter Nicholas's walk out Kenny was put in the pressure seat and how well he has handled it. Reversing the early season mixed form, Kenny has taken Barry to 20 plus unbeaten games and now two lots of silverware.

Kenny is a pretty cool customer and is not one to press the panic button. His extensive league experience has held him in good stead and he has proved his credentials at the first time of asking! Kenny attributes his success to learning from good and bad managers. His own dad of the same name has been a big influence.

The likes of Harry Redknapp, Billy Bonds, Dave Bassett and the like have helped but Kenny believes the answer is in man management allowing the players to express themselves.

Superb goals from Jon French, Mike Flynn and Jamie Moralee won the game against a determined Bangor side. Player coach and ex-Man United star Clayton Blackmore was magnanimous in defeat, "Barry were more professional than us and they deserved it."

Blackmore criticised the pitch and the venue, he said it was not good enough for a major final. Endorsing Kenny Brown's comment, Blackmore said: "Either Wrexham's ground or Ninian Park would have been more in keeping with this major title event.

Even so, the two and half thousand crowd were treated to a tremendously exciting game with a good atmosphere and five goals to boot.

Jon French got Barry off to a tremendous start with a volleyed goal of high quality after just eight minutes, after Gary Lloyd headed on Andrew York's deep free kick.

Marc Lloyd Williams had a chance to score earlier but could not beat Simon Rayner who had a tremendous game in goal for Barry.

Phil Priestly in the Bangor goal denied French a second goal with a smart save but Bangor took the game to Barry with some enterprising play.

After a few anxious moments, back came the champions and Huw Griffiths headed off the line from Lee Phillips suffering from an early thigh strain. Lee Phillips was feeling his injury again and was replaced in the 28th minute by Dave Toomey.

Barry took a 2-0 lead when Flynn hit a great half volley into the corner of the net but Bangor pulled a goal back just before the break. A Blackmore free kick was headed home by Griffiths running in from the edge of the box.

Barry went 3-1 ahead early in the second half with Moralee turned home Flynn's corner. Bangor seemed to attack with more fervour each time Barry scored and the champions had a nervous ten minutes up to the hour.

Lloyd Williams, quiet for most of the match, suddenly burst into life and hit the post. It was a let off for Barry and thankfully the league's top scorer was having an off day.

On 79 minutes Lee Jarman brought down Paul Roberts in the box and a penalty was given.

The ball was given to Lloyd Williams but his day was ruined when Simon Rayner saved his spot kick.

Moralee hooked the ball home superbly on the turn to emphasise Barry's win and Jon French gleefully lifted the cup for further success for Barry Town.

A fantastic season for the lads and a great first season at the helm for Kevin Green.

Kenny Brown believes that his team can only get better which must be really encouraging for the rest of the League of Wales sides.

Congratulations to all at Barry Town for a great and deserved double.