Premier Division

Wenvoe Arms 6 - Barry Athletic 'A' 4

ON A glorious September afternoon the Barry Athletic 1st team travelled to Wenvoe to face early league leaders Wenvoe Arms FC.

The Athletic themselves were coming into the game on the back of some very good league form so confidence was high in the camp with the aim of being the first club to take any points from the home side. The game didn't start well though with the home side striking first going one up in the first five minutes.

That only inspired the Athletic though and they soon sprung into action playing the lovely free flowing football that has been evident over recent weeks striking back through a Kyle Caton goal.

The Athletic then unbelievably found themselves a goal up with a crisp finish from returning local legend Chris Leach defying the years with a lovely top corner volley. Huw Davies in the Athletic goal stood firm to everything thrown at him with Wenvoe always a threat with the sheer pace they have through the team.

Just before half-time the Athletic found themselves in dreamland when a good kick from Kyle Caton sent the ball onto partner and brother TeeJay Caton who expertly finished past the 'keeper to make the half-time score 3-1.

Wenvoe started the second half the brighter team and got a goal back in the 60th minute to give them hope.

Only 60 seconds later it was that man again, TeeJay Caton, never giving up on a dead ball, robbing the defender and firing low past the advancing 'keeper to send the Athletic fans into raptures on the sideline.

The game changed on the 70th minute mark though with the Athletic being reduced to 10 men and then the home side being awarded a dubious penalty only minutes later. It was always going to be an uphill struggle to hold out the numerical advantage the home side now had and the brilliant fitness levels they were showing at this stage of the game.

The final score ending up 6-4 in favour of the home side. With no less than 14 new faces for the first team this season this was another fantastic showing from a side clearly going in the right direction. The club would like to thank Wenvoe Arms for a fantastic game and wish them all the best for the season.

Division 2

Island Marine 'B' 1 - Barry Athletic 'B' 3

Captain Kyle Ceesay was the star of the show at Maslin Park with their footballing neighbours contesting a local derby. With the noise of the newly revived funfair echoing over the pitch it was the Island team who started strongly and took an early lead after a defensive mix up.

Athletic always knew that their young legs would test the older Marine lads so they didn't panic and went about their business to grind out the result they were hoping for.

It was midway through the first half when the breakthrough came. A penalty was awarded by referee Fred Spry and it was the skipper Ceesay that strolled up with confidence to give the 'keeper no chance.

The Athletic knew at half-time that this was now their turn to put pressure on the Marine defence and introduced the fresh legs of Billy Gratton, Louis Foran and Loucas Achilleos throughout the half.

It wasn't long before Ben Pearce broke through the defensive line with one of his trademark bursts from midfield to calmly score past the advancing 'keeper.

The Marine threw everything they had at the Athletic but the defensive line of 'keeper Sam Rees-Davies, Frank Roe, Gage Waller, Jamie Deguara and Eddie Roe were superb. It was Ceesay again that finished Marine off with a powerful header into the top corner from 12 yards that left the 'keeper stranded and the Athletic the three points they were hoping for.

In three weeks time the Marine take the trip across the road to the Athletic Ground for the return match. As always, a warm welcome awaits.

This Saturday the club host Splott Cons Old Boys in Round One of the South Wales Intermediate Cup at the Athletic Ground, Barry Island. Kick off is at 2pm and the clubhouse will be open before, during and after the game.