NEWTOWN (0) 0 BARRY TOWN (0) 0
Newtown:
Barry: Wells, T.Evans, D.Davies, Shone, York, Barrow, Barnett, Carter, Mitchell, E.Williams, R.Jones.
subs: Jenkins (for Williams), Pridham (for Barnett)
Bookings: Newtown - none
Barry: Williams, Barnett, Mitchell, Pridham
Att: 471 Referee: S.Jones (Swansea).
After a competitive break of 18 months, we meet Newtown today for the second time in 14 days. Last season's meetings saw us win 2-0 at Latham Park, with the return here at Jenner Park being that incredible 5-5 draw.
In reality, a point for both sides was deserved at Latham Park a fortnight ago, with a number of good saves being brought off by both goalkeepers, but defences otherwise in charge.
Newtown's first opportunity came from a corner on the left, after 13 minutes. Jason Yates got his head to a floated cross, and Barry keeper, Dave Wells, did well to knock it clear for another corner. This time the ball came to Nicky Ward, whose fierce shot was again saved by Wells, who dived full-length to acrobatically clear.
What turned out to be Barry's best opportunity of the first half came after half an hour. Eifion Williams was in full flow, and had beaten three players before being hacked down by Chris Taylor. In the absence of Gary Lloyd, Barnett took the free-kick, which went around the edge of the wall. Newtown keeper, Andy Withington judged the ball as going wide, held out his arms and let it run. The woodwork certainly saved his blushes, as Barnett's shot hit the post and rebounded out of harm's way.
Barry went even closer five minutes later, though, as a cross from Richard Jones eluded the entire Newtown defence, but, with defender Paul Line making a hash of his clearance, the ball bounced off Eifion Williams's foot and into Withington's hands.
Barry's best chance of the second half came through Richard Jones, who surprised the Newtown defence by letting fly from the corner of the box. However, his curling effort held in the air for too long, and was caught by Withington.
Newtown maintained possession for much of the last twenty minutes, but never looked as though they were going to break down the Barry defence. The closest they got was a low shot from Wickham, which Wells saved.
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This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1999
This article first published in the Barry Town Matchday Magazine, v Newtown, League of Wales, 13.03.99
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