Mountain to climb (From Barry And District News)

Mountain to climb

Skonto Riga 5 Barry Town 0

(Champions League qualifying round first leg)

BARRY Town's Championship dreams were shattered last night as they crashed to defeat in Latvia.

Kenny Brown's boys took on Skonto Riga and gave a disappointing performance. They conceded five goals in total-two in the last three minutes of the game.

Club official, Dave Cole who watched the match live, said: "We came out strong in the first half. Even though we were 1-0 down at half time we were controlling the match. But in the second half the Latvians capitalised on our mistakes and nearly every ball landed in the back of the net."

They conceded their first goal in the 13th minute, the second in the 62nd, the third 65th, and the last two in the 87th and 89th.

Mr Cole added: "It's hot and humid over here, but that's no excuse. Basically, they were too good for Barry on the day. This team had half their internationals playing. It's the equivalent of Barry playing Cardiff City."

This was the first leg of the first qualifying round for the Champions League. And although they have the home advantage next Wednesday, July 24, it is unlikely the Dragons will be able to pull anything back when Skonto Riga come to the Jenner Park ground for the second leg.

Mr Cole added: "For us to turn this around, Barry will need to score six goals, and the Latvians none. But the team needs the whole of Barry to get behind them and give them all the support they can.

"The players are extremely disappointed, but they will give it their all next Wednesday." Steward at the club Mike Stringer said: "There were a few supporters here keeping an eye on the game. But the atmosphere is very glum. We had a full team out and were expecting maybe a 2-1 or at worse a 2-0 deficit. But we're all disappointed with the performance." The disappointed players are back in town tonight at around 11pm and have a break until they get their kit on for the second leg.

Barry 0 Millwall 2

For the first 45 minutes Kenny Brown's men more than matched the illustrious First Division outfit on Friday, July 12, who were close to Premiership football this season!

Mark McGee brought his complete first team squad and they must have been surprised at Barry's industry. The promptings of experienced Ian Bishop and the attacks of Jon French and Gary Lloyd down the flanks brought several chances to score.

Simon Rayner had little to do for 30 minutes. White, the Lions keeper had to bring off several diving saves to deny Barry a goal. In a pacy and lively game, a goal from a free kick just before half-time gave Millwall a 1-0 interval lead. Rayner lined up his wall but it made a gap which Charley Hearn fully exploited with his accurate shot.

Barry had an early warning of Lions power when Ben May headed just wide. Gary Lloyd gave them a scare when he curled a great free kick against the cross bar.

Nicky Burke had a couple of shots off target as he was told to shoot on sight, it seemed. Jon French was playing superbly on the right and one run saw him cross superbly with Millwall desperately defending. Again French set up Ramasut who earned a corner with his goal attempt. French's corner was just kept out by the keeper as it seemed to be swinging into the net.

Again Barry were doing most of the attacking, York finding Burke who again hit the bar for Barry. Ian Bishop enjoying his first game since October, passed to Lloyd who couldn't beat the keeper with his well placed shot as Barry called the shots.

Rayner not having much to do for 30 minutes made a fine double save from Hill and then Harris.

Back came Barry and Tom Ramasut got into a great position, beating a defender and bringing out a fine save from the overworked keeper. Rayner in the Barry goal also did well, saving a shot from Hearn.

It was Hearn's goal from a free kick that separated the sides at the break. Scott Morgan committing a foul just outside the box.

Barry brought in Lee Phillips, Lee Jarman and Jamie Moralee after the break. Kenny Brown, Nicky Burke and Richard Kennedy made way.

Millwall changed their complete team for the second half, but they were just as strong. Barry made further changes when Nathan Cotterill replaced Ramasut and Joseph came on for Bishop. Joseph a new signing from UWIC.

Barry were really asleep in the 64th minute when Booth scored a tap in from a close range headed on ball.