Armstrong the hero as Barry beat Llanelli on penalties

Goalkeeper Liam Armstrong was the hero on his competitive debut for the club, saving a penalty during the first half and then stopping a crucial spot kick at the end.

Meanwhile, Barry spent the entire second half with just ten men on the pitch after a first half sending off for Josh Yorwerth, who picked up two yellow cards.

The opening half saw few chances for either side, with Armstrong diving to his right to save from Ethan Cann after fifteen minutes.

Then two yellow cards in three minutes for Yorwerth changed the game, the second for handball giving the visitors a 40th minute penalty.

However, the game remained scoreless with Armstrong getting down well to save Henry Jones’s effort from twelve yards.

Barry faced Llanelli Town on Friday evening (Image: Perry Dobbins Photography)

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barry came more into the game in the second half, taking the lead in the 67th minute.

Substitute Drew Perrett set up Eliot Richards to score with a low shot past the ‘keeper from the edge of the box.

Barry almost doubled the lead a minute later when Kayne McLaggon’s cross was headed against the bar by Keenan Patten.

The home side looked to be easing to the win until the 83rd minute when Llanelli captain Josef Hopkins let fly with an unstoppable early shot from distance.

Llanelli then could have won the game, but Armstrong was able to tip Alexander Giardeli’s shot onto the bar.

Going to penalties, Barry showed none of the nervousness associated with spot-kicks, confidently despatching all five through Patten, Sam Snaith, Ollie Hulbert, Ben Margetson and Evan Press, while Armstrong saved from Elliott Cann to send Barry through 5-3.

Attention now turns to Saturday’s Cymru Premier opener where last season’s third placed club, Bala Town, are the visitors to Jenner Park for a 2:30pm kick-off.