Barry succumb to 9-0 defeat in friendly versus Oxford

BARRY boss Steve Jenkins took a look at 22 players in Saturday’s opening friendly away at National League North side, Oxford City.

The scoreline shows a Barry side defeated by superior opponents, but Jenkins will have learnt more watching his players in defeat than victory over lower league opposition.

Barry opened the game with a recognisable first eleven, including new signings Rhys Yorwerth and Ben Margetson amongst familiar faces from last season.

Barry also had the first chance of the game, with Callum Sainty’s downward header from a corner going just wide at the near post.

Luc Rees in the Barry goal then pushed a shot over the bar, before the home side took a 19th minute lead with a low effort from a near post corner that went through the forest of players.

There was an element of luck to Oxford City’s second which bounced in off the far post five minutes later.

The score line wasn’t reflective of the first half, where Barry had good chances to score.

Callum Huggins put the ball in the net, but was ruled out for offside. Mike George’s shot went across the face of goal. Keenan Patten saw his effort pushed away after dancing through the defence and Oli Hulbert had a shot tipped over the bar.

But then the home side scored an excellent free-kick into the top corner to make it 3-0 at the break.

Introducing large numbers of Barry’s Development Squad in the second half, the scoreline wasn’t going to get any prettier, despite bringing on newly signed goalkeeper, Liam Armstrong.

Oxford City were able to find their way through the much-changed Barry defence at regular intervals, scoring six in a much less competitive second half.

With five more pre-season friendlies before the competitive matches begin, Barry face Yate Town on Saturday at Jenner Park, kicking off at 2:30pm, and then Cardiff City under-21s at home next Tuesday night.