Dragons lack killer instinct (From Barry And District News)

Dragons lack killer instinct

BARRY TOWN 2, WELSHPOOL 1

BARRY Town beat newly promoted Welshpool 2-1 last Saturday, but after leading 2-0 they lacked the killer instinct and allowed their opponents back into the game.

A Welshpool official said after the game: "We were pleased with our commitment and although Barry had most of the possession we had the better chances."

Well, probably he was right, and it reflects poorly on Kenny Brown's multi-talented squad in which Kenny must have been tearing his hair out at the end as Barry clung on to this narrow victory.

As at Llanelli a month earlier, Barry dominated the first half but let the opposition off the hook.

The fact that Welshpool got back into the game was not a reflection on the back four but on a disorganised midfield who simply cannot keep their shape.

Each midfielder wants to attack but does not always defend properly when necessary.

Jamie Jenkins and Richard Kennedy are not natural attackers and would serve the team better by playing in more defensive positions which would allow Jon French and Tom Ramasut to do what they do best in supporting the front two.

Both French and Lee Phillips were missed in this game, both first half injury victims. Whilst Barry's attacking flair was good, especially in the first half, defensively Barry were often opened up by a team struggling at the foot of the table.

This is not the stuff Champions are made of and particularly in midfield Barry looked defensively vulnerable when Welshpool were not closed down.

If Kenny Brown is looking at a player as reported, then it would be beneficial for the side to get a ball winning central midfielder who can organise things in the middle of the park.

If he can shout and encourage his team mates that would be a bonus.

From the start Barry controlled the game and Gary Lloyd had a couple of early shots to test the mid-Walians. Jamie Moralee was also on target with a header whilst Lee Jarman worried the keeper with a dangerous deep cross that was acrobatically palmed away.

After 24 minutes Lee Phillips, who had earlier fallen awkwardly, went off injured to be replaced by Nathan Cotterill.

Andy Grainger had to make a smart save to deny Mark Roberts and a minute later Chris Roberts was just wide.

On 35 minutes Jamie Moralee slotted the ball home after Nathan Cotterill had crossed neatly to put Barry 1-0 up.

After Ben Kinsey missed an easy header Moralee hit the bar at the other end, but made no mistake just before the break after the ball reached him via Gary Lloyd and Ramasut.

Barry seemed to be cruising at the interval, and when Moralee was brought down in the 50th minute it looked as if the game was over. Moralee himself took the penalty but he failed to get his hat trick when the keeper saved.

On the hour Ramasut made a bad error which left Barry wide open, and Kinsey netted from close range to make it 2-1.

A 30 yard screamer by Gary Lloyd went into the side netting but really Barry were reduced to long range shots.

Barry travel to Aberaman on Saturday, the bus leaving at 12.30pm for a 2pm kick off. Adults £6 and children £4. To book call Tim on 734050.

The following Friday the team travel to Afan Lido for a difficult fixture. Book with Tim (same prices).