Construction too sturdy for Linnets (From Barry And District News)

Construction too sturdy for Linnets

BARRY FC huffed and they puffed, but they couldn't find a way to break down SP Construction at Jenner Park last Saturday.

The Linnets had been flying high after their 4-3 victory over the Admiral a week earlier, but failed to find the same form in front of goal, drawing a blank and unable to repeat their 3-1 win over SP earlier in the season.

Barry made three changes from the side which beat the Admiral, with Damien Lack returning in goal, and Haydn Stait and Rhys Newman in place of Ashley Griffiths and Christian Powell.

The home side had the better of the early exchanges, but failed to threaten seriously until Ben Taylor outpaced the visitors' defence only to see his effort cross the face of the goal and go wide of the far post.

The crucial match-winning goal came in the 37th minute when Barry FC gave away a free-kick just inside their own half which led to Scott Larson netting.

Barry came out for the second half looking to get the game back on level terms, their best chance being a repeat of the SP goal.

A free-kick from the Barry left beat the SP defence and SP goalkeeper Paul Palmer needed to be alert to prevent Ben Taylor from equalising.

It appeared that the match would continue as a midfield battle in the same vein as the first half, until a 70th minute red card changed the complexion of the game.

A second yellow card for Steen Ross saw SP Construction down to ten men and Barry sought to make use of their one man advantage, while the visitors looked to run down the clock.

In the end, it was SP's experience that was the winner of the two tactics, with Barry failing to take advantage of their numerical superiority and the visitors defending well, clearing their lines and repelling attacks.

Nevertheless, they ended with nine men after goalkeeper Paul Palmer was involved in an injury time altercation outside his goal and was red-carded.

Barry were unable to take advantage of the visitors' lack of a regular goalkeeper, with the final whistle being blown a minute later.

*This week's Linnets Lotto saw the number 6, 7, 9, 10, 15 and 17 drawn out of the hat. There were no winners. Next week's draw has a jackpot of £550 and includes numbers 1-17. As normal, the Lotto draw will be held at the Castle Hotel, Jewel Street at 7.30pm on Monday.

* The Linnets travel to Wenvoe to face the Admiral this Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm.