BARRY Saints were held to a 5-5 draw with league rivals Canton Cross Vaults.

The squad, affected by injuries and unavailability, managed to gain a point even though they had the advantage of playing against 10 men for 50 minutes.

Canton were the dominant team for the first 30 minutes striking the post from a deflected effort and goalkeeper Nicky Elston spreading himself well to deny Canton an opener. Canton were then reduced to 10 men when the striker was sent off before half time.

Saints immediately took advantage after a disastrous bit of defending with the keeper and centre back colliding; Darren Townsend was left with a tap in to the empty net. Half time was approaching but Barry increased their lead. Nathan Williams finding space in the box to smash home into the bottom corner, 2-0 and the Saints knew it was theirs to lose.

Second half and Canton looked a completely different side. Fired up, the ball fell to the left winger, who had been completely defended out of the game up until this point, got down the wing and before crossing seemed to trip over the ball under pressure.

The referee deemed the pressure a foul and awarded a controversial penalty which Zaki Misbah converted with ease. Straight away Canton grabbed a second with a half volley from James Saddler finding a way through the Saints keeper.

This woke the Saints up and they grabbed the lead through Michael Evans after getting on the end of a Nathan Williams cross and converting at the far post. Darren Townsend restored the two goal advantage tucking home after breaking through leaving the keeper with no chance.

Canton Cross Vaults came straight back and scored from a tight angle through Matt Hibbs. Moments later they scored again, after being given too much space outside the area, Matt Hibbs hit a low accurate shot into the bottom corner.

With the game winding down it could have gone either way but the Saints dealt what they believed was the final blow. Nathan Williams picking the ball up out wide, he accelerated past his marker and shot from a tight angle hitting his shot low and hard beating the keeper at his near post.

With the referee about to blow up Canton had one more attack. The ball picked up by striker Zaki Misbah who hit a long range effort finding the bottom corner with the last kick of the game.

A disappointing result considering for 50 minutes Canton had 10 men but with the game in their hands Saints were unlucky to only walk away with a point.