MG CUP: BARRY TOWN UNITED 1 THE NEW SAINTS 2

Kayne McLaggon scored a second half goal for Barry in a battling display against The New Saints, but it wasn’t enough for Town to reach the MG Cup Final, writes Ian Johnson.

TNS took a two goal first half lead in Sunday night’s semi-final at Jenner Park, while Barry had a goal disallowed, hit the post and had a chance cleared off the line as they chased an equaliser.

Kicking off late due to a road traffic accident, Barry thought they’d taken a 13th minute lead, but a foul was given in the build-up.

At the other end, defenders Michael George and Josh Beecher cleared off the Barry goal-line as The New Saints took control.

Saints went 1-0 up after 22 minutes. Leo Smith’s shot clattered against the bar and fell to Declan McManus. His first effort was saved at close range by Barry ‘keeper, Luc Rees, but the rebound fell kindly again to McManus and he netted.

The Scottish forward scored again after 36 minutes, completing a flowing move down the Saints right. Neat interplay and a low cross from Adam Wilson set up McManus to pass the ball into the net from ten yards out.

Barry went close before the break with some half-chances, but made it 2-1 ten minutes into the second half.

Breaking from midfield, Robbie Willmott’s pass cut through the Saints defence, leaving McLaggon to round the ‘keeper and score.

Twelve minutes later the Saints defence was split again, this time by a through ball from George. Ieuan Owen won the chase, nudging the ball past the ‘keeper only for his effort hit the post, and the rebound then cleared off the line.

Barry fought for the equaliser to take the game to penalties, but the professional team were able to hold them off and reach the cup final.

Barry travel to Bala Town on Saturday, kicking off at 5:15pm, available to watch on S4C Digital.