PLAYER manager Lee Galsworthy is still trying to work out how MMG B didn’t win this game comfortable. The game started with home side playing up the slope against the wind knowing their superior fitness would tell. The opening exchanges were quite cagey with both teams probing each side for signs of weakness. It was a true second division game with lots of old heads on both sides playing in a good competitive spirit with the occasional hand bags.

MMG B started to get on top and their superior football on the deck had FC Barry on the back foot. The deadlock was duly broken when a free kick was awarded to MMG 25 yards out which was dispatched into the top corner by David ‘Dez’ Evans.

FC Barry were for the most part playing long ball football which were causing MMG some problems but the youthful back three of Lee Galsworthy, Dave Allen and Paul Edwards ably assisted by the wing backs of Andrew Mason and David ‘Evo’ Evans were coping well. However, the staunch defence was beaten when a miss hit cross from Aaron Barnett looped over goal keeper Ross Liddiard’s head and into the net.

This only spurred MMG on and Dez scored again with a solo run seeing him ghost past four FC Barry players before beating Anthony Jones at the near post. They should have scored again when the hard working Barrie Coslett failed to score into an empty net with the FC Barry defence and the goal keeper nowhere in sight, a feat which was unbelievably repeated by Dez in the second half. Half time came with more handbags but a really great sporting gesture from the veteran John Harding from FC Barry diffused the situation before it got out of hand.

The second half started much the same as the first half finished and a sublime strike from 30 yards from the evergreen Elliot Cayton took the score to 3-1. Paul Murphy was controlling the midfield well and Drew Burniston was working hard up front, but without getting much luck. MMG continued to press for a fourth but the resolute defence of FC Barry held firm with some weak finishing, sterling last ditch tackles and some good saves keeping them in the game.

MMG made a couple of substitutions bringing on Mike Evans and Josh Cummings. This did not have the desired effect and a breakaway goal for FC Barry was finished well by the wily old striker Sean White. Gareth Richards of FC started to move forward and was beginning to influence the game. This did not stop the chances from MMG but yet again the defence stood firm with John Harding rolling back the years in a strong display.

MMG made a final roll of the dice by chucking Morgan Rodgers on up front. However, and perhaps inevitably, the game finished all square, although MMG dominated for large periods FC never gave up. It was another veteran Julian Webb who scored the equaliser with seven minutes to go tapping in from five yards after a great initial save from Liddiard. Both sides played their part in an entertaining game which was a good advert for the local league.

MMG would like to thank their sponsor BRT International for their support and for providing them with the brightest kit in the league. They would also like to thank the Cwm Talwg pub for their support too.