In front of the largest crowd of the season, Barry Town fought their way into the semi-finals of the BBC's prestigious tournament on Tuesday evening and won �20,000 for doing so.
To say Barry sailed through would be far from true, in fact it was a tortuous battle with Barry fielding several players who were carrying knocks.
Merthyr fought every inch of the way, playing an accurate passing game and putting Barry under the most pressure they have experienced, since the second half at Wrexham.
Ex-Barry players, Cohen Griffith and Colin Loss were prominent for the Martyrs and Lee Barrow and Gareth Shone defended brilliantly at the heart of the defence.
An unfit Eifion Williams battled through the 90 minutes and a piece of sheer brilliance by him set up Richard Jones for the only goal of the game.
Barry stoically defended their 1-0 lead in the late stages of the second half, choosing to defend the final quarter and with a few heart-stopping moments aong the way, they survived the Merthyr onslaught.
Danny Carter had a super game supporting Williams and an out of touch Mark Dempsey, who was still prominent in the early attacks.
Merthyr started brightly, moving the ball speedily and pushing for an early goal. They were far quicker than most League of Wales sides and their plan was to close Barry down and stop them moving the ball at will and dictating the game.
When Barry attacked for the first time, Carter superbly crossed to Jones, but his header was well-saved by goalkeeper, Thomas.
A classic passing move figuring Dempsey and Carter saw Jones shoot but without any power.
Back came the Martyrs and their neat build up play was effective and accurate, belying their lowly position in the Dr.Martens Premier League.
It was a shock for Merthyr when Williams superbly turned Richards on the right wing and his accurate cross was well met by Jones who fired home to the huge delight of the Barry supporters.
Merthyr chased for an equaliser but Barry just about deserved the interval lead.
After the break, Merthyr pressed powerfully but could not get the goal they strongly deserved. Williams easily passed cumbersome central defender, Gareth Abraham, and with just Thomas to beat, the striker fired straight at him.
Mark Williams had a couple of shots just off target and substitute Jamie Michael had a chance in front of goal which he tried to fly kick, but he totally missed the ball. A real let off for Barry.
Those were Merthyr's best chances and although they huffed and puffed, they could not blow the house down and their chances came to nothing as referee Collins blew up much up to the relief of all Barry fans, not least the players.
Barry travel to Holywell on Saturday and will play those who are least injured in a match they should win, but the Wellmen are fighting for survival right now and may push Barry all the way.
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This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1999.
This article first published in the Barry & District News, 18.03.1999.
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