Barry third after blitzing Bridgend (From Barry And District News)

Barry third after blitzing Bridgend

10:20am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Sport

AS THE build-up to their Welsh Cup quarter- final continues, Barry Town enjoyed a convincing win at the weekend, defeating visitors Bridgend Town 5-2 at Jenner Park in the MacWhirter Welsh League.

Making a number of changes after his side’s defeat to leaders Taffs Well, Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield brought defenders Ryan Evans and Lee Baldock back into the starting lineup, along with midfielders Michael Hartley and Ryan Dorrian.

Each would play their part in a much-improved Barry performance, helping the team to their most comprehensive win since November, while securing those all-important three points.

An evenly-matched opening period saw former Barry Town favourite Josh Bell register the first attempt at ex-teammate Dan Bradley’s goal, while, at the other end, Hartley broke free and chipped the ball past the goalkeeper, only for his shot to cannon back off the post.

It was, though, newcomer Jordan Cotterill who would break the deadlock in the home side’s favour.

Cotterill, playing only his third game in Barry colours, demonstrated composure to slot the ball home, and gave his new teammates the impetus to press on for more.

Barry’s second would come a whisker before the break; Cotterill combining with TJ Nagi, who finished off a fine move to double Barry’s advantage.

As ever, it was a key time to score, but the match was by no means over as the opening period of the second half would demonstrate.

It was almost inevitable that Bell, whose return to Jenner Park was greeted with warm applause, would score at least once; and so it proved, with the former Town marksman drilling home a trademark piledriver around the 50- minute mark to pull one back for his new club.

However, Bridgend’s resurgence would prove fleeting, and Barry’s twogoal cushion was restored within minutes, when a beautiful floated ball from the right flank was powered in off the head of towering centre-back Evans.

With the visitors demoralised by Barry’s third, substitutions were made; with another ex-Dragon, Mattie Davies, joining the likes of Bell and Terry Evans already on the pitch.

The ex-Barry contingent, which included former title winners Tom Ramasut and Nathan Cottrell, had enjoyed much happier times at Jenner Park than Saturday; and their misery was added to when Barry netted their fourth, with the popular Hartley adding his name to the scoresheet for the fourth time this campaign.

With tiredness beginning to set in, a Bridgend blunder then gifted Barry their fifth and final goal; Nagi showing no mistake, seizing the ball and finishing with gusto.

A late consolation aside, it proved a fruitful afternoon for Gavin Chesterfield’s side, as they got their Welsh Cup preparations back on track while boosting their goal difference and climbing back into third in the MacWhirter Welsh League table.

This Saturday sees Barry travel to reigning champions Cambrian & Clydach (2pm), who are still in with a shout of retaining their crown, sitting five points off the summit.

A tough test is therefore expected, in this, the final run-out before Barry head to Flint Town United for their first Welsh Cup quarter- final in a decade the following weekend.

While Barry were beating Bridgend, Flint were a part of a thrilling 3-3 draw at Porthmadog, and as such the Welsh Cup showdown is shaping up to be a salivating prospect for supporters on both sides and neutrals alike.

The Barry Town Supporters’ Committee has a handful of seats remaining for the trip on Saturday, March 2, at £20 a head (return), which can be booked via 07557 665 847 or online at ticketsource.co.uk/barrytownsc Leaving at 8am from Jenner Park, pick-ups are scheduled for the Colcot Arms and Copthorne Hotel.

A full extensive preview of the big match in North Wales can be found in next week’s ‘Barry and District News.’