Dragons go down fighting (From Barry And District News)

Dragons go down fighting

BARRY TOWN 3

PORT TALBOT TOWN 1

They say the league table doesn't lie, and with Barry at the bottom, they should go down.

They also say that there are lies and statistics, and if Barry's recent form of nine points from six matches had been repeated across the season, then the club would have had a top six position, rather than being bottom of the pile.

Relegated a fortnight ago, Barry's excellent performances against Haverfordwest and Port Talbot have been no more than consolation, but what a consolation as Town took a point away at the club which finished third, and wrapped up their season with a comfortable win at home.

If the Dragons can hold on to the present manager and team, then success surely won't be too far away, wherever they play next season, as shown by the confidence that Barry showed in Saturday's win.

Town were on top from the start against a Port Talbot team which still had ambitions of reaching the Premier Cup qualification positions before the game but left with their tails between their legs.

The Dragons started as the better side, bringing Canadian under-23 international Simon Rayner into action early in the match with a series of teasing crosses and half-chances.

It was very much against the run of play that Port Talbot took the lead after 24 minutes. Barry's Dean Philpott was clearly surprised to be penalised after a heavy challenge upon him by Port's Haydn Fleming and Barry's customary lack of organisation at set-pieces cost them dearly.

The home side bounced back almost immediately. Gavin Allen made space for himself in the middle of the pitch and his through ball split the visitors defence. Richard Kennedy was in hot pursuit before a mix-up between two of Port's former Barry players, Nathan Cotterrall and Simon Rayner, saw Cotter-rall almost walk the ball into his own net in a surreal own goal.

Barry were now clearly in charge of the game, with their second goal itself an illustration of the swelling confidence in the side. Mark Duckett was haring down the left wing before being fouled, but instead of waiting for a traditional set-piece, the former Aberystwyth player looked up and saw Gavin Allen unmarked in the middle. Duckett crossed the ball quickly and Allen headed downwards past Rayner to give Barry a half-time lead.

Five minutes into the second half, Barry wrapped up the three points. A low ball across the box from Mattie Davies was netted by 17-year-old Luke Sherbon at the far post as Rayner failed to deal with the pace or angle of the shot.

Dragons fans will be happy to put a long and hard season behind them, but if the nucleus of that squad can be maintained then it won't be too long before happy days will be back at Jenner Park again.

Barry: Rudall, Shakespeare, Duckett, Philpott, Elliott, Kennedy, Twynham (Harris), Matthews, M Davies (Minett), Allen (Michael), Sherbon.

l Supporters crucial meeting - see page 29.