In basically a game of two halves, Barry stroked the ball around magnificently for the first 45 minutes, controlling the game with poise and purpose.
Canny Swans manager John Hollins' half-time team talk lifted the English League team to new heights as they got amongst the Barry players making them hurry in their movement and creating pressure.
Barry were lacking Eifion Williams who has yet to start in the Premier Cup, the striker suffering from a stomach bug. This after he carried off the Welsh Player of the Year award with his 57 goals for last season. A magnificent tribute to the promising young striker.
So Barry got off to a great start, when Justin Perry was treated to O'Leary's studs across his chest as the defender tried to clear a loose ball. The resultant free-kick seemed to take ages as Swansea's defence jumped about, knowing full-well how lethal Lloyd is with free-kicks.
The execution was superb, Mark Dempsey jumped over the ball, Danny Carter rolled it a yard and Lloyd curled a low shot into the corner, completely fooling Swans' goalkeeper, Roger Freestone.
Barry could have gone two up when the effervescent Richard Jones crossed to Perry, whose shot went just wide. It wasn't until 20 minutes that Swansea mounted an attack when Clode sent in a cross which averted everyone and went out.
Another chance for Swansea when Dempsey lost the ball in midfield and Lacey found himself in a good position, but his shot was well saved by David Wells.
Wells made a further save from Newhouse, but Barry controlled the game, playing superb football around the park to the admiration of the Swans' fans.
The second half belonged to Swansea, although Barry were never over-awed. The white shirts surged forward with a new determination and purpose, closing down Barry as much as they could.
It seemed that without the talented Williams to chase the final ball, that Barry were going to basically sit on their lead.
O'Leary threatened with a header which hit the bar and went over and three Swansea players were booked as they were getting more and more frustrated.
When Barry lost Andrew York through injury with seven minutes remaining it left a gap because the defender had played superbly alongside Lee Barrow.
A free-kick in a similar position to Lloyd's seemed to give the Swans a life-line but it was wasted and when Bird scored in injury-time, the Swans were visibly relieved. It would have been their third (sic) defeat in a row to Barry, but in fairness they deserved a point.
Links to other sites on the Web
Barry Town homepage
What the Papers Say index
FAW Premier Cup results
This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1998.
This report first published in the Barry and District News, 15.10.1998.
Report of F.A.W Premier Group B match between Swansea City and Barry Town, 13.10.1998.
Get your own Free Home Page