Town cruise through (From Barry And District News)

Town cruise through

ABERAMAN 0, BARRY TOWN 4

WITHOUT overstretching themselves the Welsh Cup holders comfortably rode the challenge of the spirited Dare Valley side, who midway in Division 2 of the Welsh League, belied their position with a 90 minute performance which was a credit to them.

Their physical approach was to be expected but only Gary Lloyd came off injured and he should be fit for tomorrow's game against Afan Lido.

Two goals in either half was enough to put Barry into the fourth round and they will play Pontardawe at Jenner Park on February 8.

Pontardawe are currently mid-table in the Welsh League First Division but have played only eight league games.

Aberaman recently lost 3-0 at home to Dinas Powys who are in the top three of Division 2 but they fielded one or two experienced players in Anthony Jenkins who was with Merthyr and keeper David Morgan who has played in the League of Wales.

Barry lined up without the injured Jamie Moralee and Jon French, whilst Lee Jarman was suspended.

Up front, Barry linked Nicky Burke and Lawrence Davies and it was Davies who opened the scoring on ten minutes after the home defence was caught napping by Barry's attack.

Nathan Cotterill was in outstanding form for Barry and he showed his speed to break forward in the 23rd minute.

Keeper Morgan pulled down the speedy midfielder in the box and was fortunate to see only a yellow card. Gary Lloyd made it 2-0 with the resultant penalty.

Barry took the 2-0 lead into the break, never over-committing themselves and just did enough to show the difference in class.

Gary Lloyd had to leave the field after a bad challenge by Phil Haines and Carl Brown replaced him.

Barry went 3-0 up when Kennedy finished off a strong Barry attack after just five minutes of the half and effectively the game was won.

Andy Grainger did really well to tip over a dangerous 35 yarder from Bennett and went on to complete a fine match. Grainger is playing really well and is keeping out Simon Rayner who is now fully fit.

He was called on to make a great save from skipper Robert Clarke as Aber pressed hard, looking for a consolation goal. Morgan, the home keeper was also in brilliant form and kept out a fierce drive from Nicky Burke.

The resultant corner unfortunately saw Barry go 4-0 up as Andy Yorke headed home.

Volley

Morgan produced a superb double save, the second from a great volley by Carl Brown.

The large crowd would have been well pleased with the game on a bright, dry day, but for Barry it is back to League action tomorrow (Friday) at Afan Lido.

It is always a tricky game.

Lido are a full-blooded side who play for each other with a lot of passion.

They have a good record against Barry and in Chris Pridham they have a dangerous midfielder.

Effective

Pridham was never a regular at Barry, but back with Lido he has been effective.

Measuring his runs from midfield he often gets on the end of crosses from either side of the pitch.

He has scored vital goals against Barry in the last couple of seasons and Barry will need to keep a check on his runs.

It is not a ground where Barry score many goals and the players will need to be on top of their game to earn 3 points and do better than last year's 1-1 draw.

It was interesting to watch Forrest Green draw 0-0 against Exeter - a cup tie maybe, but Barry's friendly against Forest Green was much more one-sided.

Exeter may be in the Third Division, but their football is by far inferior to Kenny Brown's men.

Kenny's policy of playing man to man passing at pace is a joy to watch and certainly Barry crave good opposition.

The FA Premier Cup will provide Barry with that challenge and the Dragons will want to show their quality this year after last year's poor performance against Swansea.

The bus for Afan Lido tomorrow (Friday) leaves at 6pm. To book call Tim on 734050.