HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY 1 BARRY TOWN UNITED 1

BARRY turned in a battling performance to earn a point away at Haverfordwest County, the Bluebirds starting the night in third place.

There was only one change from Barry’s starting line-up at the weekend, with Eliot Richards replacing Robbie Willmott in midfield.

It was generally a game of few chances, with the home team having the majority of possession but unable to unlock a well-organised Barry defence, who spent most of the match down to ten men.

Barry’s first chance came when Sainty made space for himself down the right and crossed, but Evan Press’s shot was blocked by the home side’s defence.

Barry then took a 23rd minute lead. Mikey George’s long throw into the box eventually fell to Josh Yorwerth and then a Callum Sainty backheel to Ollie Hulbert saw the striker lash the ball into the top corner.

However, Town were seen down to ten men. A long ball over the top led to a tussle between Josh Yorwerth and Haverfordwest’s Ben Fawcett, and after Fawcett went to ground, Yorwerth was harshly shown a red card.

With a player advantage, Haverfordwest stepped up the pressure, equalising in the third minute of first half injury time.

Alaric Jones beat Mikey George on the right hand touchline and his low cross saw Ben Ahmun fire past Luc Rees with a first time left footed shot.

Fans anticipated a second half onslaught from Haverfordwest, but Barry were equal to the task, re-arranging the defence to defend crosses and block shots.

As the game went on, the home side’s frustration was evident as Barry continued to drop deeper to defend and gave them no space, with every close quickly cleared.

Under the circumstances, Barry will be very happy at earning a difficult point away from home.

Barry face Aberystwyth Town at home on Friday night at 7:45pm, seeking to gain revenge for an early season defeat away against the mid-Wales team.