Cup progress

"IT WAS a potential banana skin, but we came through", said Barry skipper Jamie Moralee.

"It was their cup final and they made life difficult, but I'm pleased that we came out on top."

Moralee and the players were dismayed by some sections of the crowd booing at the end of the last home game against Llanelli, a point which also angered loyal supporter Eddie Latimer. "It was uncalled for", he said.

Jamie Moralee was keen to point out that the players have had a difficult time with off the field activity which has been unsettling, but points out that Barry's record is still good - just one defeat in 22 games since September, apart from the loss on penalties to Rhyl.

"Pontardawe came with a game plan to defend in numbers and with an effective offside trap", said Moralee.

"We talked it through at half-time and the result was four second half goals."

The Swansea Valley side are 5th in the top division of the Welsh League with many ex-League of Wales players in their side, conceding just 13 goals in 16 league games so far.

Playing with one striker, experienced Simon Dyer, they had four in midfield and five in the back line, working the offside trap well during the first 45 minutes, keeping the scoreline to 0-0.

They had three on-target headers and another which crashed across the bar with the aerial ability of Scott Morgan missed at the heart of the defence.

After just five minutes Moralee with some great play, set up Tom Ramasut, who in turn tricked his way into a goal scoring position only to hit the post.

Barry attacked again with Nicky Burke crossing neatly to Lee Phillips.

The ex-City player was robbed of the chance by a quick thinking defender . Jon French was enjoying himself with a more relaxed performance and he supplied Burke with a chance which was well saved by the keeper.

Karl Brown and Lee Phillips had further chances for Barry but Town's keeper Baruwa was also busy, saving from Dyer.

Marcus Evans almost scored a shock goal when he headed over the bar.

After just three minutes of the second half, Barry had to defend strongly to stop a barrage of shots with player manager Kenny Brown clearing the danger.

On 51 minutes a rejuvenated French scored the opener after a great lay off by Moralee.

The visitors were not going to lie down though and Dyer whipped an angled shot across the face of the home goal, before Rickard scored the equaliser, squeezing the ball between the post and Baruwa.

Kenny Brown called for some urgency and Barry stepped up the tempo.

Brown broke down the right to set up Burke whose diving header was finished off by Moralee.

Nathan Cotterill headed home his second goal for the club to make it 3-1, and Nicky Burke netted on 90 minutes to wind things up.

The supporters club will be holding a Race Night at Barry Town Social Club on Saturday at 7.30pm.

There is no game this Saturday and the players take a well earned break having already played 35 games. For some it is a chance for niggling injuries to clear up.

Barry travel to Bangor City for an important league match on Saturday, February 22.

Bangor are in third place, eight points behind Barry but with three games in hand. It is vital for Barry to secure all three points to keep up the challenge to leaders TNS.

Whilst Barry were in cup action, TNS beat Afan Lido 6-0, quite a hammering for the 6th placed West Glamorgan side.

Ken McKenna's outfit have an amazing 14 clean sheets out of 22 games played.

TNS are away to Connah's Quay this Saturday and Kenny Brown will be hopeful that the unpredictable Deeside team can bring off a shock.

Although it is a free week for Barry, all the very latest news from Jenner Park will appear in next week's Barry and District News.

Ring Tim to book for the Bangor trip, on 734050. The coach leaves at 8am.