THE U16 Barry Town Utd FC girls were crowned league winners on Tuesday, April 2 following a battling 3-1 away win at Port Talbot Town.

Barry went into this fixture needing just a point from their remaining two matches to seal the league title and were up against a Port Talbot team that battled well throughout and made things difficult for the visitors particularly during the opening half.

The visitors struggled initially to get their passing and combination play in motion but still went close on several occasions.

Emma Cannon shooting just wide and Bethan O'Donnell over the bar from a free kick.

The home side almost took a shock lead when a through ball found the striker through on goal but a crisp driven shot was well saved by Barry goalkeeper Ruth Stanley.

Barry did finally take the lead on 17 minutes when a partially cleared Holly Jenkins corner found poacher Sian Rees who smashed the ball home from twelve yards.

Just the goal that Barry needed to settle down and as they started to take a foothold in the game, Port Talbot grabbed an equaliser.

Barry lost possession in midfield and against the counter attack the home striker went through on goal to touch the ball past Stanley to make it 1-1.

With half time the perfect opportunity for Barry to reflect on an inconsistent first 35 minutes, the girls responded superbly in the second half and took control of the game playing their more accustomed free flowing passages of play. Emma Cannon won a penalty after being brought down in the penalty box and Rees stepped up to smash home the spot kick to put Barry back into a lead at 2-1. With just 6 minutes remaining, Barry sealed the league title when Rees beat the offside trap to go through on goal to net a hat-trick and finish the game at 3-1.

The final whistle sealed the title for Barry who have won an incredible 17 of 17 league game so far with one remaining fixture away to Rhydyfelin. This has been a magnificent season of consistency and the players have come through some tough situations in several matches this year showing the strength of character within the squad.

Team manager Luke Williams commented:"To win the league having won every match so far is a great effort, especially when you consider half the team are actually U15 players.

"The girls have shown great desire to develop and become more rounded players this year and they are a credit to the club and their parents.

"We now hope to kick on with two cup finals and see if we can achieve an unbeaten league season before some of the girls step up to senior ladies football next year."

"A special mention must also go to the coaching staff of Edryd Thomas and Julian Rowley who have played a massive role in the success of the team.

Squad:

Ruth Stanley

Mae Atkins

Olivia Townsend

Bethan O'Donnell

Daisy Connolly

Amelia Davidson

Chloe Clarke

Holly Jenkins

Kate Spargo

Grace Corne

Sophie Hawkins

Jasmine Rowley

Sian Rees

Emma Cannon

Aliyah Jama

Lauren Harris