Thankless task for Hughes (From Barry And District News)

Thankless task for Hughes

BARRY TOWN 1, RISCA 2

ONE HAS to sympathise with manager David Hughes.

In his first managerial appointment he has to put together a team who have nothing to play for except pride.

He knows that he has only five or six players who are up to the task, and no carrots to dangle to attract new signings.

He will be thinking of TNS and Bangor at the end of the month, and with the evidence of this display he will be looking to keep the score down below six.

One is loathe to criticise these players but they were definitely second best to Risca of the 3rd Division of the Welsh League. The only players to come out with any credit were Mattie Davies, Lee Rudell and Gareth Elliott.

Barry's long ball tactics in this Welsh Cup game were ineffective and the passing was woeful most of the time. Risca, in contrast, were more up for the game, had limited chances but took them well.

Barry did have their chances but were unable to score from open play.

Barry were well on top at the start and had lots of chances with Mattie Davies the main culprit for missing the target. Nevertheless Davies was full of running and never hid.

Barry started off like a house on fire and Carwyn Jones had a great chance to put them ahead. He skied the chance but earned a corner from a deflection, and from this both Davies and Michael Emery had shots blocked.

Davies also skied a great reverse pass from Dave Sherman, who was making his debut. Barry's best move of the game saw four men combine to set up Davies, who shot straight at the keeper.

Volley

Barry could have been at least 3-0 up in the first 20 minutes. Mattie Davies had a tremendous volley tipped over the bar by Risca keeper Long.

Long blotted his copy book by bringing down Elliott and Davies converted the spot kick.

Lee Phillips headed a neat equaliser for Risca on 35 minutes from a Redman cross.

It largely came from poor defending as the Barry defence failed to clear their lines. The sides turned round at 1-1.

Lee Rudell had had a quiet game in the Barry goal but was called on to make a couple of saves, the second a superb reflex save to deny Jones.

Gareth Picknell tried a long range 30-yarder but could not beat Long.

Risca became more confident and the last 20 minutes belonged to them as Barry lost their way.

No-one could deny Risca the 83rd minute winner from a Redman header.

They had absorbed all that Barry could give and made the most of limited chances.

Barry will take a break until October 18 when TNS are the visitors.

Ken McKenna's side have gone from strength to strength and will be the ultimate test for David Hughes' inexperienced team.

Tomorrow (Friday) Wales play Serbia and Montenegro in the Under-21 international at Jenner Park, kick off 7.30pm, adults £3, OAPs and children £1.