ABERYSTWYTH 2, BARRY TOWN 3

BARRY booked their place in the semi-final of the Welsh Cup against Rhyl with a far from convincing 3-2 win over mid-Walians Aberystwyth Town.

Kenny Brown has successfully guided the champions to two Welsh Cup victories. Can he take Barry to a third?

Their next hurdle is to overcome Rhyl on a neutral venue, and this should not be too difficult a task against a team they dismissed 4-1 at Jenner Park last month.

Aberystwyth's Park Avenue is renowned for being a windy pitch and this semi-final was no exception. A strong, prevailing wind had a profound effect on this match.

Aber had the wind behind them, helping them to a 2-1 interval lead.

A few seasons back, a certain Danny Carter bossed Barry's midfield, and in similar conditions Carter was a master of ball control.

How Barry have missed his quality since he left for Merthyr.

The former Orient player was acclaimed as a great player by the Dinamo Kiev captain when Barry played the Ukrainian giants in the UEFA Cup.

Barry's midfield craft has largely been missing this season though the inconsistent Ramasut has shown some magic touches at times.

What a difference Carter could have made!

Two late goals by Barry gave them a somewhat fortuitous win over Gary Finlay's tough outfit but showed great character.

Aber took the lead as early as the third minute, when a long clearance caught out Gary Lloyd and as he slipped Anthony Wright gave man of the match Abi Baruwa no chance.

Five minutes later Barry were level when Lee Phillips found himself clear on the right and finished neatly past keeper Richard Morgan.

It was tough going for Barry against the strong wind and clearing the ball was proving difficult and Mark Duckett for the home side had a couple of chances which troubled the cup holders.

With Anthony Wright and Glyndwr Hughes spurning chances it looked as if it would stay 1-1 at the break.

A handling offence by Gary Lloyd gave Aber a penalty and Gavin Allen gave them a 2-1 interval lead. Baruwa was close to the spot kick but was at full stretch.

Barry took full advantage after the break and Nathan Cotterill was able to get forward, but under-estimated the wind with his crossing.

Abi Baruwa was in good form in the Barry goal and did well to deny Anthony Wright a couple of times.

When player manager Gary Finlay went off on the hour Aber lost their way, With 82 minutes gone Ramasut drew the scores level after good work by Lloyd.

Substitute Jon French was the Barry hero, netting in the last minute after Richard Morgan failed to hold a telling Jamie Jenkins cross.

French almost got another in the dying seconds when he hit the post but Barry were the victors and will for the third successive season play in the semi-finals.

Barry: Baruwa, Phillips, Lloyd, Jarman, Morgan, Jenkins, Brown, Ramasut, Cotterill. Subs French, Kennedy, Pratt.

This Saturday Barry travel to Welshpool for a league match they must win.

The Supporters Club will be running a coach. Ring Tim Johnson for all the details.

KENNY'S COMMENTS

It was a difficult match for us with the wind and a really bumpy pitch.

We are not used to conceding two goals in the first half by the normally reliable Gary Lloyd but the second half belonged to us.

We were so on top we could have scored five goals, and I was pleased to get through.

Jon French did well to get the winner and I'm pleased for him.

We are waiting clearance on our player Bio Akinfenwa, who is a 20-year-old striker who was playing in Lithuania.

We need international clearance which has been promised by Friday.

That being the case he will be in the squad for Welshpool on Saturday.

CHARITY GAME

Barry's game against a Vale of Glamorgan side last Sunday was a good fun event with proceeds going to local charity Ty Hafan.

The final score was in doubt but it is believed Barry won 10-2.

Everyone had a lot of fun with no real interest in the score but happy to help such a worthwhile cause.