It's mixed fortunes for Town in openers (From Barry And District News)

It's mixed fortunes for Town in openers

DINAS POWYS 1 Barry Town 0

BARRY TOWN lost their unbeaten record away to local rivals Dinas Powys on Tues-day evening, when the Villagers won the Macron Welsh League Division 1 clash 1-0.

Liam Jones clinched the game for the home side with a headed goal from a Nathan Hosgood cross seven minutes before half-time.

In a fast-paced game, Barry's best chance came in the 84th minute when the strong Ohene Na Quinhare forced his way into the area and shot, but Richie Johnson in the Dinas goal was equal to the task.

BARRY TOWN 3 BRIDGEND TOWN 1

Barry Town opened their league campaign with a win last Saturday after a stunning brace from Barry's new Portuguese striker 'Owen' blew away an outclassed Bridgend.

In stormy weather, 18-year-old debutant Chris Churcher scorched Barry into a second-minute lead after ending some scrappy defending in the penalty area with a lethal strike from just inside the box.

Bridgend responded by playing the better football for the next 20 minutes, albeit scoring a fortunate equaliser in the 16th minute from Barry 'Man of the Match Paul' Light's defensive clearance.

With both teams attempting to play good passing football, Barry came closest to scoring a second when Ali Kiyaga went one-on-one with the Bridgend keeper, only to see his shot superbly palmed over the crossbar.

Barry's tactical change at half-time saw Owen (Ohene Na Quinhare) replace fellow Portuguese midfielder Sano Mamadu - known as Maxi or Figo - with devastating results. Owen's strength in keeping the ball up front enabled Barry to build attack after attack, and his understanding with Leon Jeanne provided interplay which thrilled the crowd.

Owen's magic turned the game decisively in the 55th minute for Barry to retake the lead. Collecting an Anthony Ferguson side-pass, Owen ran at the defender, beating him with some dazzling footwork.

Barry ended the match as a contest in the 74th minute when Anthony Redwood (son of former Barry player Derek) put in a corner which was flicked on by Loco for Owen to shoot into the bottom right corner, sending the Barry fans home with a warm glow and every reason to be confident about the coming season's campaign.

Barry Manager Gavin Price said he was very encouraged by his team's performance - but cautioned that the new squad still needed time to gel.

* Barry Town signed goalkeeper Marty Ellacott in time for their Division 1 match at Dinas Powys on Tuesday. Ellacott, a fireman, has played in Europe for Inter Cardiff and Cwmbran Town.

This is his second spell at Barry, having left in December 2004.