PONTARDAWE TOWN 2 BARRY TOWN 2

THE GAME at Pontardawe just survived the elements but due to the heavy playing surface, good football was at a premium.

The Dragons, who have not lost in their last six meetings with Pontardawe, started well and dominated the opening 10 minutes, but apart from one shot by Christian Doidge they were unable to trouble the opposition keeper.

As is usual though, the team who dominate play are suddenly hit with a sucker punch.

A quick break by Pontardawe, a mistake at the back and the home side were 1-0 to the good.

The Dragons were not to be put off by this setback and continued to attack with Josh Bell, Mike Hartley and Doidge all creating chances but unable to get the ball past the Pontardawe keeper.

The ball was difficult to control on a pitch that was cutting up.

On 25 minutes The Dragons were level when a lovely pass from Ryan Jenkins found Doidge just inside the Pontardawe penalty area. He took the ball past a defender and hit a great shot across the keeper into the net.

Pontardawe should have retaken the lead straight from the kick off when another mistake at the back allowed a home forward to go one-on-one with the Dragons keeper, but he made a great save, the ball rebounding to another Pontardawe player whose attempt was again saved by Dan Bradley.

The Dragons had another couple of chances but the shots were well over, before another error at the back on the half hour allowed Pontardawe to retake the lead when a forward was allowed to waltz through and easily score. Town’s keeper Bradley had no chance with this effort.

Pontardawe were revitalised by the goal and almost scored a third but the ball was scrambled away for a corner, and the half ended 2-1.

The opposition started the second half well and immediately forced a corner. Ryan Evans headed the ball out but it fell to a Pontardawe player whose shot looked to be going in but Bradley made another fine save.

The Dragons forced a corner themselves and Evans was unlucky when his header rebounded off the crossbar and was cleared. Chances were being created by both teams and defenders were stretched.

Pontardawe should have made the game safe with a rare mistake from Bradley. From a corner he tried to clear the ball but it went to a Pontardawe player 15 yards from an open goal. He tried to switch the ball to his left foot but this gave Dan Clare the time to get back and block the shot with a great sliding tackle.

With the score still 2-1 to Pontardawe, the Dragons brought on TJ Nagi and James Saddler to replace the hard working Ryan Jenkins and Scott Jones.

The game was now flowing from end to end with Barry looking for an equaliser and Pontardawe trying to put it out of reach.

With 10 minutes to go TJ Nagi crossed the ball into the box where Doidge’s slightly miss-hit scissors kick beat the Pontardawe keeper.

The Dragons were now in the ascendancy and looked to have taken the lead in the last minute but TJ’s header was cleared off the line.

All in all the Dragons will be pleased with a point from a very difficult game.

Dragons: Dan Bradley; Geraint Frowen, Ryan Evans, Lewis Cosslett, Dan Clare, Scott Jones, Nickie Jones, Josh Bell, Christian Doidge, Ryan Jenkins, Michael Hartley

Subs: TJ Nagi (for Jenkins), Atif Bashir, James Saddler (for S Jones), Lee Baldock, Lewis Clare.

* Barry have five games at home in March starting this Saturday (March 3) against Bryntirion Athletic (kick off 2.30pm) followed on Tuesday by the visit of AFC Porth (kick off 7.45pm).

THE Supporters Committee, as part of their commitment to community spirit, have designated the home game against Bryntirion Athletic this Saturday as their St David's Day treat - and all are welcome to attend the match free of charge, with the coupon printed in last week's and this week's Barry & District News.

The coupon entitles free entry for the whole family.

This is also part of the Club's sponsorship deal with Bute Property Services, who are keen to work with the club on community engagement.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please go along to support not only the team but those volunteers who, through hard work and dedication, have funded the team this season and are committed to keeping the Club going into its Centenary season 2012/13.