Why Barry Town United’s first win in the Welsh Premier League could give them licence to push on
Barry Town United earnt their first win back in the Welsh Premier League on Saturday afternoon following a 2-0 victory over Newtown, so can Gavin Chesterfield’s side now build momentum following the win?
After failing to win in their first three Welsh Premier League encounters, Barry Town United recorded their first win back in the big time since they were relegated from the Welsh Premier League, 13 years ago.
From the offset Barry were bright and were well worthy of earning their first three points of the season courtesy of a double from former Merthyr Town striker Kayne McLaggon.
This, though, should now act as a licence for Barry to really push on in the league. In all four games, Chesterfield’s men have performed well and the professional 2-0 win over Newtown on Saturday typifies the way he wants his team to play.
The only negative perhaps was the injury to Ryan Newman, who went off through an ankle injury.
However, with star playmaker Jordan Cotterill off a return and Barry having the strength in depth in the midfield area this season, they have players in the likes of Callum Sainty and Tyrell Webbe who can do just a good a job in that particular area.
The most important thing for Barry now is to build on this victory, though. It won’t be easy by any means but this is a team who could have a good season if they can show the same type of team spirit which has saw them climb up the Welsh Leagues.
Next up for Barry Town United is table-toppers Llandudno, who have yet to lose in the Welsh Premier League but its essential Barry keep up the momentum, and who knows, they could get a result against Alan Morgan’s side.
If they can back-up their win over Newtown by picking up something in North Wales, they’ll be in a real confident groove going into the other two games in September where they will face off against Camarthen Town at home and then travel back up north to play Bangor City at Nantporth.
Its going to be a gruelling season, everyone knew that from the start but the win over Newtown offers fresh optimism that Barry Town United can really push on in the Welsh Premier League this season.
They certainly have players who can hurt teams. Summer signing McLaggon grabbed a brace on Saturday and has looked zestful since his debut on the opening weekend against Aberystwyth Town – he also looked bright in games against both Prestatyn and The New Saints.
Its a very similar team to the one which earnt promotion to the Welsh Premier League other than the exception of McLaggon up front and Newman, who picked up an unfortunate injury against Newtown.
This is a team with a togetherness throughout the whole team and if they can get points out of their next three games, it could push them in the right direction.
Europe may be out of the question this first season but that’s not to say Barry shouldn’t dream about the prospect of playing against the European elite again.
its vitally important that Chesterfield’s side don’t lose concentration following the win over Newtown but it certainly suggested Barry are a team who are on the up and with the strike force they have at their disposal, they can pose a threat to any side in the Welsh Premier League.
McLaggon showed that on Saturday afternoon but for Barry, its now about maintaining that belief and pushing on ahead of Saturday’s trip to early pacesetters Llandudno.
(Featured image: SameOldSmith)
