Women’s Welsh League:

Caldicot Town Ladies 1 - Barry Town United Ladies 2

BARRY Town Unite Ladies FC travelled to league leaders Caldicot Town Ladies having narrowly lost twice to the unbeaten Gwent club this season in league cup fixtures.

Both previous encounters could have gone either way with Caldicot recording narrow victories but on this occasion they found a Barry side determined to put previous defeats behind them.

The visitors started the game the strongest, and were camped in the Caldicot half for most of the opening 35 minutes.

Two glorious opportunities went begging for Barry with Ellie Drew hitting the crossbar, and on fire striker, Luca Laky, narrowly missing with a shot that went just pass the right hand corner of the goal.

Barry’s combination play and off the ball movement was giving the home side a real test but Caldicot grew into the game as the first half progressed and they almost took the lead with an effort that hit the side netting.

Following a goalless first half, the message from the Barry coaching staff was to continue their excellent work rate on and off the ball and to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal.

The second half started the same as the first period with Barry controlling possession but this time the breakthrough came.

A corner taken by Naomi Coulson was only partially cleared straight back to her and the former Tottenham Hotspur junior player unleashed a curling effort that found the far corner.

The togetherness is very evident within the Barry team this season with every player working their socks off for the cause and with their confidence growing by the minute it wasn’t long before Barry Town were awarded a penalty.

The influential Coulson, got in behind the Caldicot defence and was brought down by the goalkeeper.

Unfortunately, Barry found a goalkeeper in inspirational form and she made a great save from Stacey Ayling’s spot kick.

The defensive unit of Meg Davies, Emma Thompson, Meg Bailey and Emily Mortimore was solid and assuring throughout with the midfield duo of Ayling and captain for the day Tracey White working tirelessly for the visitors winning key challenges and kept the Town ticking when in possession.

Wing backs Abi Smyth and Ellie Drew were a constant menace to the home side with great energy in both attacking and defensive situations.

Robyn Hall was effective as ever with in number 10 getting into pockets of space in her penultimate game for the club before leaving for the army in January. She will be sadly missed.

Barry finally made their possession count with a second goal to wrap up a great victory.

Coulson's again the architect as she received the ball on the edge of the penalty area beating one player before bending a ferocious shot into the top corner.

Caldicot kept on battling and registered a goal later on to cause a few nervous moments for the visitors but Barry held out to record their best result of the season and ending Caldicot’s unbeaten record.

A great performance, and a much needed three points for Barry who move into second place in the league table one point off top spot.

Barry will host Caerphilly Castle Ladies at Jenner Park Stadium on Sunday, December 18.

Team: Megan Davies, Emily Mortimore, Ellie Drew, Emma Thompson, Stacey Ayling, Meg Bailey, Abi Smyth, Tracey White (C), Luca Laky, Robyn Hall, Naomi Coulson