Dragons robbed (From Barry And District News)

Dragons robbed

Dragons robbed

AFAN LIDO 1 Barry Town 1

Barry Town were robbed of victory at Afan Lido on Saturday by a penalty five minutes from time.

Having refereed Barry in their previous match, at Rhyl, Kevin Parry gave his second spot-kick against the Dragons in five days following a clumsy challenge by Adam Shakespeare on Kevin Bartley in the final minutes.

The draw sets up Barry's crucial home match against Carmarthen Town on St Valentine's Day when three points will be vital for Barry's efforts to avoid relegation.

An early inspection ruled the pitch playable despite overnight rain, which was followed by a blustery wind at Lido's seaside ground, the strong weather conditions affecting the game.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Barry were on the defensive as Lido created a series of half-chances which goalkeeper Lee Rudall and his defence did well to neutralise.

The Dragons should have gone in at half time in the lead after persistent work from Dave Sherman on the left set up Raith Plant, but his final effort failed to test Lido goalkeeper Brian Thomas.

After a tight first half, there were more opportunities for both sides in the second half.

Lido went close when their number four beat the offside trap on the Barry left and homed in on goal, only for Rudall to save his final effort at the near post.

At the other end, Thomas was brought into action after a Mark Duckett run down the left saw him beat four players.

His cross found Lawrence Davies in space and Davies' effort forced the 'keeper to dive low to save.

Barry were by now the better side and putting pressure on the home side's defence.

The Dragons finally got their just rewards when Gavin Allen opened his account for the club after 72 minutes.

A low free-kick was drilled in from the left, Allen receiving the ball on the penalty spot with his back to goal.

Turning smartly, he fired past his marker, and, with Thomas unsighted, the ball went in at the bottom right corner of his goal.

The home side threw on substitute striker Kevin Bartley as a final throw of the dice as they struggled to get back into the game.

Barry were forced on to the back foot, but as attacks were repelled it seemed as if the Dragons would hold out for a crucial win.

Then, with five minutes remaining, Bartley found himself in possession of the ball inside the Barry box and went past his man before being brought to ground.

Referee Parry pointed to the spot, and Bartley himself stood up to take the penalty, sending Rudall the wrong way to equalise.

The Dragons could still have taken all three points as Gavin Allen forced Thomas into a last-minute save, but it was a cruel ending to a match in which Barry deserved to take maximum points.

They must now take heart from the improved performance and ensure victory when Carmarthen are the visitors to Jenner Park on February 14.

Barry Town (v Afan Lido): Rudall, Shakespeare, Duckett, Elliott, Picknell, Philpott (L.Davies), Sherman, James, Plant (Harris), Allen, Sherbon. Subs unused: Brown, Minett.

BARRY TOWN FC

SUPER SIX

Tuesday, February 3, winning numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 11. No winners.

Next week's jackpot £1,350 numbers 1-12. Next draw: Tuesday, February 10.