Spike proves thorn in the Dragons side (From Barry And District News)

Spike proves thorn in the Dragons side

ABERYSTWYTH 3, Barry Town 1

IT IS doubtful whether Kenny Brown slept well last Friday night. Barry Town started so soundly against Aberystwyth, but then crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season.

It was the way the side capitulated after running the game for 35 minutes that was so worrying. Again the defence was put under pressure by a poor display by the Barry midfield.

Kenny will question whether he can afford the luxury of Tom Ramasut and Nathan Cotterill in the starting eleven against the better sides. Certainly more steel is needed in the middle line and the Town manager may still consider Lawrence Davies as an option to allow space for Jamie Moralee and Dave Toomey, both now fit after injury.

Overall though, once again the character of the side, who are after all full-time professionals, must be questioned. Part-time Aber matched Barry for fitness and frankly overcame them with endeavour.

Kenny used his three subs in the second half, bringing on Moralee, Toomey and Jon French to press for an equaliser. This, though, was at the expense of playing only two midfielders. Seizing the initiative Aber threatened to over-run Barry in the last 15 minutes.

The game, played in front of a 1,000-plus crowd, started with Barry playing intelligent football and it was no surprise when they took the lead after only 16 minutes.

A mix-up in the Aber defence saw the keeper stranded and Cotterill, starting off on the right wing, sent in a fine ball for Lawrence Davies to score and Barry looked on their way to a comfortable victory.

Richard Kennedy had a great chance to put Barry 2-0 up but panicked a little and scuffed his shot wide. Davies could also have scored in the 37th minute but misdirected his header. Lee Jarman was fouled in the 38th minute but still Gary Lewis was allowed to feed the ball to Antony Wright for the equaliser.

Barry's defence, never great at defending set pieces, stood still as Lee Spike headed Aber into a 2-1 interval lead.

Barry's efforts on goal were limited but the home keeper somehow kept out Andy York's downward header which looked set for the corner of the net.

Barry's back four were put under considerable pressure in the closing stages and keeper Andy Grainger made some vital saves to deny Aber further goals.

Unfortunately for Grainger it was his poor kick out which gave Lee Spike his second goal in the 82nd minute and Barry were well beaten in the end.

No doubt Kenny let fly at his players with both barrels blazing and he will be calling for more effort in the coming weeks if Barry are going to qualify for Europe.

Barry frankly cannot exist as a club without qualifying for Europe and at this moment they must be favourites to finish second.

TNS are going like a train. Unbeaten in the league they are six points clear, although the halfway point in the season has not yet been reached.

Anything can happen between now and the end of April but Barry have already lost three games which is the same number as they lost all last season.

Barry's tremendous run of form in the latter part of last season will need to be repeated if they are to maintain their magnificent league record.

As has been said many times before, it's not just ability that wins championships, it's mental toughness and character, and Barry will certainly need to grit their teeth over the coming weeks if they don't want to see TNS storm too far ahead to be caught.

Barry must aim for second position at least, because third place is unacceptable and would bring financial disaster.

Barry have only to look over their shoulder to see five teams right behind, all within five points. The warning signs are there, the danger signals are there, so how will the players respond with their futures also at stake.

Saturday's home game against Caernarfon is vital as is next Tuesday's home game against Caersws, whilst the following Friday night a difficult game awaits away at improving Connah's Quay. Call Tim on 7340050 to book for this trip.

Barry team against Aber: Grainger, Phillips, Jarman, York, Lloyd, Jenkins, Kennedy, Ramasut, Cotterill, Burke, Davies. Subs Moralee, Toomey, French