One proves enough

IN a game of two halves Barry enjoyed the lions share of the first half, playing fluent football which had Micky Evans men reeling.

To be fair to Caersws they are a determined bunch and they had Barry under the cosh in the second half when the weather conditions deteriorated.

Both the keepers were in great form and Barry had Canadian keeper Simon Rayner deputising for Abi Baruwa and how well he played.

Barry's midfield was cruelly exposed in the second half and again there was extreme pressure on Barry's rearguard which did well to keep a clean sheet.

Jon French, with a dangerous low cross was almost turned into his own net by a defender on 14 minutes.

The league's top scorer Graeme Evans had a rare first half shot but earned a corner.

It was Barry who scored the only goal of the game on 26 minutes however, when the home side conceded a free kick on the edge of the box.

Gary Lloyd curled a great ball around the wall and home keeper Andy Mulliner could only knock the ball into the path of Jamie Moralee who hit the ball into the net.

Tom Ramasut had a shot cleared off the line as Barry dominated the half but the rain was beginning to change the shape of the game.

On the stroke of half time Evans headed against a post and Marfell followed up with a shot which was superbly saved by Rayner.

In the second half Barry could no longer control the ball in the same way and there were few chances for Nigerian striker Akinfenwa.

He did however bring the best out of Mulliner midway through the half with first a close range header and then a fierce 20 yarder.

Barry though were largely under pressure with Caersws showing that they are no mugs and can battle as good as any team in the league.

Barry were not coping well in the middle of the park as the blue shirts often overran their midfield.

The Town are not used to being under such pressure and desperate defending and brave goalkeeping by Rayner kept Caersws manager Micky Evans with a frustrated look on his face.

Lee Phillips came off to be replaced in defence by Jamie Jenkins dropping back.

On came Richard Kennedy who instead of bolstering the beleaguered midfield, incredibly went on to the right wing.

One of Kenny Brown's main missions next season will be to sign quality midfield players, a factor which has let the champions down this season.

Tom Ramasut was booked before the end and having already picked up a first half yellow was sent off.

Graeme Evans hit the woodwork for the second time and it was a relieved Kenny Brown when the referee brought the game to a halt.

Barry: Rayner, Phillips, Jarman, Morgan, Lloyd, Jenkins, Brown, Ramasut, French, Moralee, Akinfenwa. Subs: Kennedy, Jeanne, Burke.

Barry are away to Rhyl this Saturday at Aberystwyth's Park Avenue ground.

It is the Welsh Cup semi final and Barry will be looking to get into the final against either Ton Pentre or Cwmbran.

These two teams are playing this Saturday at Jenner Park.

Barry have won the Welsh Cup for the last two seasons and will be keen to keep the silverware at Jenner Park.

Of course the Welsh Cup is a passport to Europe and Barry fighting for at least a UEFA Cup place will want to win it.

The supporters will be running a coach leaving at 9.30am and places can be booked by ringing Tim on 734050.

The following Saturday Barry are home to Afan Lido at Jenner Park.

The Port Talbot based side have lost only one away game all season and Barry will have to be at their best to claim all three vital points.