Dragons give Aber a lesson

They were up for this game, with manager Appleton reported as stating that his side could get something from the game. Their first half performance certainly endorsed that claim, the green shirts of the visitors attacking with venom, putting the Barry defence under much pressure.

However, they found Barry in their best form, particularly in the second half when it was largely one-way traffic with Mark Dempsey in superb form. Strangely, Eifion Williams, who was well-marked throughout, did not score, goalscoming from Gary Barnett, Richard Jones (2) and Justin Perry (2).

Perry, in the face of criticism, replied in the best possible manner, with a sterling performance, worrying the Aber defence all game and fully deserving his two goals. The game was a classic six pointer and provided excellent entertainment for the larger than usual crowd.

Barry opened with a good move started by Jones who set up Dempsey, supplying Darren Davies on the left, but his well-directed shot was saved by the keeper. Davies, in for the injured Lloyd, sent in a 20-yard volley, but he was jsut wide as was Dempsey with a 30-yard screamer.

After just 12 minutes, the talented Jonathan Williams (sic - Stephen) sent in a hopeful hoist from the touchline which cleared Barry 'keeper Wells and found Hughes' shoulder and bounced into the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Davies cleared another dangerous ball as Aber pressed forward, but after 18 minutes, Barry struck back through Barnett. The tricky midfielder volleyed home after Dempsey's free-kick had been partially cleared.

Both teams were keen to attack, making a fine advert for the League of Wales soccer. Barry were at time playing brilliant soccer and took a 2-1 interval lead when Perry hammered home a nice lay-off by Terry Evans after Dempsey crossed a lovely ball.

In the second half Barry took control, even without the talented Danny Carter, their football was often superb. Dempsey was making some dangerous runs and Perry was looking menacing each time he got the ball.

Richard Jones, having a remarkable run of memorable goals, scored his first of the match in classic style. With his back to goal he allowed the ball to drift past him and volleyed a curling shot into the corner, possibly his best since the Aberdeen classic! This goal in the 79th minute made it 3-1 and the mid-Walians looked exhausted after their first half efforts.

Perry had a great run on the right flashing in an angled shot which went across the face of goal. He was not to be denied, however, getting a header after Dempsey shot from the left and his rebound off the post was forced in by Perry to finish, making it 4-1 to Barry and before the referee could blow his final whistle, Jones fired home his second and Aberystwyth were well-beaten by a Barry side on championship form.

On Saturday (Boxing Day), Barry play local rivals Inter Cable-Tel, who have jumped up the table to fourth place. Kick-off is at 11:30a.m. The following Saturday, January 2, Barry meet Cwmbran, who are in second place to complete a hat-trick of games against the three top placed clubs after Barry's spot.

Barry Town's finest has scored a total of 22 this season and is closely followed by Haverfordwest County's Richard Gay (14 goals).

Conwy United hitman, John Toner, follows (11), while Peter Hughes of Holywell and the Dragon's Richard Jones follow with a tally of nine goals.

There is also an appearance in the latest figures to be published by the League of Wales for Town's Justin Perry, who has scored six, with three in the league and another three in cup competitions.

So, with Eifion leading the way by eight goals from his nearest competitor, he looks a good bet on finishing in the same place as the Dragons look to be, top of the league!

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League of Wales matches to be played on Boxing Day and Saturday, January 2, are to be graced by the appearance of the fluorescent ball.

The balls were used to good effect at Conwy United last week against Bangor, and are following suit from the English Nationwide League who recently introduced the balls.

The balls are an unknown quantity for the supporters and clubs of the League of Wales, though they are constructed the same way as the usual footballs that are used.

Gilbert James Ltd. the usual supplier of the balls will again be the supplier.

After undergoing skin graft surgery at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Andy was transferred to a hospital near his home in Manchester at the weekend, to be closer to his family over the Christmas period.

Former Wales stopper, Dibble, a recent loan-signing, has played for some of the top clubs in England and Wales.

During the match at Richmond Park, he dived at the feet of a Carmarthen forward when he picked up the injuries and felt the burning get worse as the game progressed.

As the News reported last week, Richmond Park is closed until the League of Wales receive tests on the ground soil, line marking and Dibble's jersey, that have been carried out by Carmarthen County Council's Environmental Health and Safety Department.

It has been confirmed that the referee had tasked before the match that the line markings be re-marked before the whistle because of the weather.

Supporters of Barry Town will be pleased to know that doctors are confident of Andy Dibble making a full recovery and that the club's main priority is his well-being.

Guest of honour was the Mayor of Barry, Cllr Chris Collins, who has kindly agreed to attend future presentations. Barry Town Council generously support Football in the Community and the Mayor readily agreed to meet the youngsters and their families.

Their local schools nominated the three youngsters as the best pupil for the month at their respective schools, as part of the Football in the Community scheme. Every month, schools are invited to put forward their best pupil, who has achieved something of worth either at school or within their local Community.

Each child put forward is invited by the Club, along with a family member, to attend a home match, given lunch, free entry to the match and programmes as a reward for their efforts.

Commercial manager, Shaun Stringer, said: "We were again delighted to be able to welcome the three youngsters and their families to Jenner Park. We were particularly delighted to welcome the Mayour of Barry and are extremely grateful to Barry Town Council for their continued support of the project.

"Without the support of our Town Council, it would be very difficult to continue Football in the Community.

"We hope the three families who were our special guests enjoyed themselves, and we look forward to entertaining December winners in the near future". Mr.Stringer concluded.

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