Dragons are held by Morgan's men (From Barry And District News)

Dragons are held by Morgan's men

CARMARTHEN 2, Barry Town 2

TONY Morgan's Carmarthen side have not had the best of starts but gave a valiant display against visiting champions Barry Town in front of a crowd of 450 last Saturday.

Barry know that teams raise their game against them and Carmarthen gave their all for 90 minutes. Town weren't helped by having Lee Jarman sent off for handball in the 14th minute, and the resultant penalty.

Now second behind TNS, Barry have dropped important points this term because of losing players at vital times.

Losing to TNS 1-0 they had Simon Rayner carried off early, with Gary Lloyd having to go between the sticks.

When they lost to Port Talbot, Nicky Burke was sent off and the 0-0 draw at Newtown was a travesty when Gary Lloyd's fierce shot was dragged back by the keeper from a foot over the line, but disallowed.

Not helped at Carmarthen with the ten men having to play 76 minutes of the game, Barry also received no favours from the referee.

Nevertheless the players gave a good account of themselves but Barry skipper Jon French rued the fact that Carmarthen's second goal should have been defended better.

The goal came from a free kick and most of the goals Barry have conceded this season have come from set pieces.

It was experienced defender Neil O'Brien who forced a corner with a powerful shot that caused the game to go against Barry.

The corner led to a barrage of shots and Jarman clearly handled. He saw red and Wyn Thomas slotted the penalty home, so after 14 minutes the Dragons were a goal behind and down to ten men.

After 27 minutes they showed great character to equalise. A superb cross by Jon French was headed home by Lawrence Davies.

After Richard Kennedy went off injured, Nathan Cotterill came on but the game was not going Barry's way.

Young wing back Steve Devonald was causing Barry problems with some dashing runs down the left and the home side almost scored another when Andy Grainger had to make a fine save to deny Wyn Thomas.

Barry had a dream start to the second half. Cotterill made a great run down the left and picked out Tom Ramasut in front of goal.

Ramasut unselfishly laid the ball off to Lawrence Davies who netted his second goal.

After 66 minutes, a free kick on the right was taken by Shaun Chapple and his delicate floater was side footed home by Steve Mardenborough with the Barry defence static and the score was 2-2.

See Monday night's friendly report on page 31.

This Saturday Barry play Welshpool in what will be only their fifth home league match of the season. Kenny will settle for nothing less than three points and will expect the same high standard of football against the Welsh Premier newcomers.

The following Saturday Barry travel to Aberaman in the Welsh Cup. Book your seat for this short trip by calling Tim on 734050.