JD CYMRU PREMIER: HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY 2 BARRY TOWN UNITED 0 

THERE were no bargain points on offer for Barry on Boxing Day as Jordan Cotterill's straight red card left Town with ten men for 70 minutes.

Read the match report, below.

By Ian Johnson

Two second half goals within five minutes killed off Barry’s hopes of bringing Boxing Day points back from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire. 

Only two places separate the clubs, who drew 2-2 at Jenner Park earlier in the season. 

Barry had the first chance of the game, with Jordan Cotterill’s 18th minute shot from the edge of the box being pushed over the bar by Haverfordwest ‘keeper Zac Jones. 

It was practically Cotterill’s last action in the game, as he was red carded three minutes later for a challenge on Kai Whitmore, leaving Barry down to ten men for the final 70 minutes of the match. 

Despite that, Barry were the better side for most of the first half, with a Curtis McDonald effort being blocked, and the only chance from the home team being Harry John firing wide, into the side netting. 

Barry And District News: Barry had to play 70 minutes with 10 men after Cotterill's red cardBarry had to play 70 minutes with 10 men after Cotterill's red card (Image: Perry Dobbins Photography)

The second half saw Haverfordwest pick up the pace and they were rewarded in the 63rd minute.

Receiving a cross from the right, Dan Hawkins wasn’t marked closely enough and was allowed to turn and shoot from the edge of the box to give the home team the lead. 

That doubled four minutes later when substitute Martell won the ball from a long throw at the front post, pivoting and scoring from close range. 

With five minutes to go, a long ball almost saw the home side score a third. Barry ‘keeper Luc Rees had to come out of the box to clear. Hawkins sent his shot back over the ‘keeper, only for defender Ben Blythe to clear off his line, stopping a certain goal. 

In injury time, Barry substitute Sam Snaith saw his powerful shot saved by Zac Jones, diving full length to his left. 

Ninth-placed Barry now face Cardiff Met at home on Saturday, 2:30pm, in the final game of 2023, and then Newtown on Saturday, January 6.