BARRY Athletic FC under 16s brought the curtain down on their junior football journey in fine style on Thursday, May 4 by clinching the Barry Junior Cup.

 

Sully Sports were the opposition for the athletic, who traditionally had been a bit of a ‘bogey’ side for the players over the years.

 

The Barry team had got the better of Sully during the course of the season with two wins in the league programme, however, they were expecting a very difficult game as Sully often match the Athletic by always attempting to play good football.

 

The game was played in almost perfect conditions on the excellent Jenner Park pitch and in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

 

The Athletic were the quicker of the two teams to enter into their stride and were soon putting the opposition goalkeeper under pressure by creating some half-chances.

 

However, it was Sully who created the first clear chance of the game.

 

Hari Hartman demonstrated his excellent agility and reactions by pulling off an outstanding save from the Sully striker, low down to his right, keeping his team in the game as a result.

 

On the 15 minute mark, the Athletic broke the deadlock.

 

A switch of play from Alex Brookes-Bent resulted in Sam Montgomery galloping down the right wing, cutting the ball back to Harri Edwards who flashed the ball across the goal mouth in order for Rhys Woolmer to finish calmly on the far post.

 

Full-backs Josh Francis and Alfie Davies were solid at this point stifling the usually effective Sully wide players.

 

Soon after, the Athletic were two up. A good corner delivery from Evan Wells saw the captain, Luke Vowles despatch the ball into the Sully goal with a bullet header with a near post run. A goal that was particularly pleasing as it was a move only practiced a few days prior. Sully were not deterred and continued to fight back. Hartman was called upon again, this time evidencing his bravery, not often seen at this age, by beating the Sully player to the ball when it looked like a goal was the only likely outcome. His clean punch resulted in him being clattered to the floor in a heap. With no reserve ‘keeper to call upon, his team-mates were relieved when he dusted himself off to continue with the game.

 

At the half-time break, the instruction to the team was to keep possession of the ball and play ‘through the phases’. Within 27 seconds of the re-start, the players repaid the coaches instruction by scoring the team goal of the game. With the ball on the edge of the Athletic box, Vowles and Joe Allwood exchanged passes; Dan Barnett dropped into space, turned and played in Brookes-Bent. He played the ball wide to Montgomery who then saw the excellent run from Edwards. Edwards took one touch around the Sully defender and cut the ball across the ‘keeper and drilled it into the net. A goal which symbolised the teams principles. At this point, Connor Bright, Jack Such and Cian McArthy-Williams entered the fray and they soon imposed themselves onto the game. When the Sully defenders failed to clear their lines from another corner, the ever reliable Allwood smashed the ball in from close range. Five minutes later from yet another corner, the individual goal of the game was scored. McArthy-Williams, who was positioned on the corner of the box, plucked the ball out of the air with his knee and duly volleyed the ball into the top corner. An excellent goal from the little magician. With five minutes remaining McArthy-Williams grabbed his brace with a left-footed far post strike and the game finished 6 – 0.

 

After the final whistle, the players were not only presented with their winner’s trophies but also their trophies for finishing runners up in the League. Barry Athletic FC would like to thank the match officials, Johnny Miller, Nick Silva and Brian Scales and indeed Barry Town United FC for providing the hospitality in the clubhouse after the game. The players and staff would also like to dedicate the victory to the memory of Club President, Mr Brian Heathfield, who sadly passed away in November.

 

Having won the Cup in their first season of Junior football, this was indeed a fitting end to five competitive years together (ten including mini football). In those five years the team had finished as champions, gained two cup wins, as well as winning the Monmouth Town tournament and the Bridgend Town tournament. However, the team is looking to progress to Youth football next season. Any players interested in joining the team, should contact the Club via bafc75@gmail.com

 

Squad: 1. H. Hartman, 2. J. Francis, 3. A. Davies, 4. L. Vowles, 5. J. Allwood, 6. E. Wells, 7. S. Montgomery, 8. D. Barnett, 9. H. Edwards, 10. A. Brookes-Bent, 11. R. Woolmer, 12. J. Such, 13. C. Bright, 14. C. McArthy-Williams