WITH Barry Town's senior ladies not in action this weekend, the Development Ladies took centre stage with a stunning comeback to beat AFC Porth in their league cup tie at Leckwith Stadium.

Division One opponents Porth appeared a tough proposition for the hosts, but it was the youthful Barry Development team that made most of the early running.

With a new look front two partnership of Caitlin Thomas and Brooke Howell, the home side were a constant threat in the opening half with Thomas testing the visiting keeper on numerous occasions.

And Barry soon got the opening goal that their pressure deserved. Thomas again was put through on goal, chipping the goalkeeper to put the hosts in front.

With the back four keeping a tight defensive unit and the midfield pressing hard out of possession, Barry were good value for their lead as the half-time whistle went.

But after a sloppy start to the second period, Barry were soon punished when a cross from the left found an unmarked striker to slot home, despite protestations that there may have been a handball in the build-up.

With the home side left stunned, things immediately went from bad to worse as Porth scored two further goals in quick succession to move into a 3-1 lead.

But to their credit, the belief of the Barry players that they could get something from the game remained and they soon reduced the deficit with a fine team goal. A through ball from captain Charlene Hewings found Thomas through on goal, with the makeshift striker smashing the ball home to make it 2-3.

Barry were now back in the ascendancy and another Hewings through ball three minutes later once again fed Thomas, who sealed her hat-trick to level the scores.

But the fightback was not over, and with six minutes to go Thomas rounded off a sensational individual performance to fire home her fourth of the day to make it 4-3.

There was to be even more late drama as Porth searched for an equaliser, with goalkeeper Molly Facey reacting superbly to keep out a goalbound free-kick late one to preserve the win.

Manager Luke Williams said after the game that the result would give his young side a major confidence boost, ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

"That result has been coming for a few weeks where the ladies have not got what they deserved out of games," he said.

"Today we should have been out of sight in the first half had we taken our chances, but huge credit to them sticking together and pulling off an excellent comeback victory.

"The girls are all working hard and improving and this is a great confidence booster for the weeks ahead."

The Development Ladies will continue their league cup campaign with a home fixture against Splott next week.