Bangor blow

A GAME Barry needed to win ended in a disappointing draw.

Certainly the Dragons deserved nothing more, a superb Jamie Moralee strike cancelling out a Bangor penalty in the first half.

What was disappointing was the lack of self belief by the Barry players that they could actually win the game.

Bangor were nothing special but could have won if man of the match Abi Baruwa had not been in good form between the sticks.

The ex-Nigerian international was solid at all times, but sometimes strayed with his kicking.

Kenny Brown raised a few eyebrows, leaving Leon Jeanne on the bench, and dropping Jamie Jenkins from the squad.

Leon Jeanne came on with 20 minutes to go, too late for the ex-QPR man to be effective.

Again the champions failed to show championship form and certainly it appeared that a deep desire to win was lacking.

Barry have dropped far too many points because of a combination of passionless performances and an unsteady midfield.

Barry have gone all season with a weak midfield and it is time that the engine room was strengthened if Barry are going to mount a final thrust.

They must begin to dominate games against lesser opponents.

For the opening 15 minutes Barry were slower to the ball. After six minutes Bangor defender Owen Tudor Jones was narrowly wide with a strong drive from a right side cross.

Clayton Blackmore with a 13th minute free kick brought a great save from Baruwa as Barry rode an early storm.

Then in the 17th minute Scott Morgan, trying to clear a loose ball, found Lee Hunt falling over Morgan's leg.

Referee Ray Ellington was in no doubt it was a penalty and Ricky Evans powered his shot home.

Barry's reply was immediate and decisive. Lee Jarman crossed from the right by-line and Jamie Moralee swivelled and hooked the ball into the net. After just 18 minutes it was 1-1.

It was a class goal by the ex-Watford striker and one of the highest order to rock the home crowd of 1,000 plus.

Bangor went looking to regain the lead, Marc Lloyd-Williams was just over the bar with one effort after a bad clearance by Lee Jarman. Abi Baruwa then made a good catch and save from Clayton Blackmore.

A tiring Blackmore cynically scythed down Lee Phillips but no card was shown by the referee.

Before the second half began a "fan" was on the field verbally abusing Baruwa with no stewards to be found.

And it is a sad fact that a large number of home supporters kept up a barrage of similar abuse throughout the second half with no action taken by stewards, and even the presence of two policemen failing to have any effect.

Adding to Baruwa's problems was the sun shining directly into his eyes, and the dipping sun caused problems for the whole defence.

Lee Jarman had a rush of blood with a wild tackle early in the second half and was cautioned.

Bangor had some chances, and a mistake by Cotterill gave Lloyd-Williams a shooting chance which he pulled wide.

Cotterill had a disappointing game, failing to use his pace to exploit an average defence. Jon French also failed badly in the second half and was replaced by Jeanne.

Bangor tried a couple of long shots but Baruwa made a good save from Tudor Jones and a shot from inside his own half by Eifion Jones just dipped over the Barry bar.

With the game fading into a tame draw the abuse from around the ground grew in intensity.

Gary Lloyd came in for some unnecessary personal abuse and some Barry supporters were threatened as the game ended.

Maybe Barry only drew but the saddest factor was the volatile atmosphere and foul language despite the presence of youngsters.

This Saturday Barry meet Rhyl at Jenner Park with African television cameras present to relay the match back to millions of African homes.

A great landmark in Barry Town's history and a sign of things to come.

The following Saturday Barry travel to Aberystwyth for a Welsh Cup match and on Tuesday, March 11 they are at Caersws for a league match. Call Tim Johnson, tel 734050 for travel details.