Youngsters do Barry proud at Millennium Stadium (From Barry And District News)

Youngsters do Barry proud at Millennium Stadium

HAVING won the Barry area Under-10s competition of the 2002 Coca Cola and NWST Champion of Champions during the summer holidays a team made up of Barry Athletic U-11s and U-10s, together with a large following, descended upon the Millennium Stadium last Sunday morning.

With the pride of Barry at stake, they competed with the winners from Cardiff, Swansea, Merthyr, Newport, Bridgend, Port Talbot and RCT in the finals of this five-a-side tournament.

The first game against Port Talbot saw a steady 0-0 start, a double strike from Josh "Man" Manning saw them comfortably beat Cardiff in the second game and a super strike from Leo "Bully" Baldock separated them and Swansea in the final group game.

Qualifying for the semis in second place, Barry took on Newport, the winners of the other group, a much bigger team.

Athletic spent much of the first half defending with Nicky Bruce turning in another faultless performance of superb touch and control, and Chris Bonney making several superb saves to keep out everything thrown at them.

Late in the half a slick move down the right side saw the ever dangerous Jack Higgins cross to Taylor at the back post to crash home an unstoppable half volley.

The second half continued much as the first, with Leo, Nicky and Chris proving themselves more than a match for the Newport strikers, whilst the slick passing and hypnotic runs of Ryan Boyles kept the Newport defenders on their toes.

The final saw a very close game against Three G's from Merthyr, both sides having few chances with defences on top throughout.

The day was very nearly spoilt when Merthyr hit the post in the final seconds but the final hooter sounded and the teams went into extra time golden goals.

Sniffing glory, Barry shrugged off their nerves and attacked Merthyr with renewed vigour and with almost an action replay of the semi, Taylor struck the winning goal.

As the ball hit the back of the net the supporters went wild and coach Ade Harding was heard to shout "Ave it".

Barry Athletic would like to thank the organisers NWST and Millennium Stadium for an experience the boys will never forget and finally commiserate with Sully Colts U-8's, who unfortunately came second in their final by a single goal.