Scoreline masks Linnets' efforts (From Barry And District News)

Scoreline masks Linnets' efforts

THE RECORD books will show Barry exiting this South Wales Intermediate Cup game at the end of a particularly heavy defeat. Unfortunately, what they won"t show will be the effort, determination and sheer commitment of the Linnets throughout the 90 minutes of the game.

The match began with a minute"s silence to mark the death of George Best, and it was good to see football even at this level paying its respects.

Though genuine chances were few, Barry totally dominated the proceedings in the first half, and the small clutch of fans were optimistic of progression through to the second round - provided the domination continued.

The second half was far tougher for Barry as Grove Park began to exert their authority and physical strength on the match.

Still, Grove were denied until the last quarter of the match, but when the first goal eventually went in Barry were going to be really up against it.

Though Barry continued to huff and puff it was the home team who soon stabbed home a second goal, and with so little time remaining and judging on the way play had developed in the second half, Barry were already all but out.

A cruel late third goal finally killed off Barry, but when the Linnets endeavoured to score a near post headed own goal with the last touch of the game, the scoreline took on a rather flattering look - for Grove Park at least.

Not to deny the home team their win of course, as over the 90 minutes they deserved to go through.

Barry now pick themselves up and dust themselves down ready for this weekend"s league fixture against Elec-Tec who provided the Linnets with their first win of the season back in September, and will no doubt be eager to right that wrong at Jenner Park.