Penybont Ladies 1 v Barry Town United Ladies 2

TOP of the table Barry Town United Ladies looked to continue their recent excellent league form with a tough fixture away to third placed Penybont.

Both sides went into the game with only one defeat this season setting up an anticipated mouth-watering clash with both sides aiming for promotion.

Barry started the brighter of the two teams, creating a few half chances but nothing that came to fruition.

It took until the 20th minute before the away side opened up their account in this tight contest. Tracey White went on a driving run through the midfield before playing off a pass to in-form Naomi Coulson who scored another fantastic goal from outside the box with a left footed shot that rocketed into the far corner. Barry were 1 - 0 up and good value for their lead.

The goal did spark a reaction from the home side as they started to exert themselves on the game, however, Barry still looked in control until a mistake proved costly.

Against the run of play, Barry gave possession away in defence allowing the Penybont striker to race through and place the ball past Barry goalkeeper Megan Davies for the equaliser.

A set back for the league leaders and the home side were duly lifted.

However, Barry composed themselves and just before half-time, a lovely move starting right from the back resulted in the visitors taking the lead for the second time in the match.

White again the dominant midfielder controlling the game put a lovely ball through for Stacey Ayling who found goal machine Luca Laky who tapped the ball home to give Barry a 2 - 1 lead at the break.

As the game progressed, Barry had the lion’s share of possession but they could not convert a number of chances to put the game to bed. Both the post and the crossbar were struck whilst the Penybont 'keeper was having a fine game.

The home side failed to register a noteworthy effort in the second half meaning Barry held on to record a deserved and well fought away victory that keeps them top of the league for now.

The defensive unit of Meg Davies, Emma Thompson, Meg Bailey and Emily Mortimore were again outstanding with Barry only conceding nine goals in nine league games so far this season.

Captain Stevie Cook was again a calming influence on the squad and the ladies will now be looking to maintain their league title challenge with an away trip to Cascade next weekend.

Squad: Megan Davies, Emma Thompson, Ellie Drew, Tracey White, Emily Mortimore, Meg Bailey, Naomi Coulson, Stevie Cook (C), Luca Laky, Stacey Ayling, Ffion Thomas, Emily Hill, Hannah Moger, Georgia Peplow