Five things learned: Jonathan Hood sends Barry into European play-offs and Ethan Jones shines for the Robins…
Barry Town United drew with Newtown, and, despite a scare, they secured a play-off berth. But what were the key elements learned from Sunday’s game?
Ethan Jones gave the visitors the lead, before Jonathan’s Hood’s strike earned a point for Gavin Chesterfield’s men.
Find out what the key things learned were from a highly-entertaining game at Jenner Park below…
Scintillating Hood strike secures Barry Town United’s play-off berth…
What a way to send your team flying into a play-off spot. It was an absolutely stunning finish from Jonathan Hood, who combined well with the tenacious Chris Hugh all afternoon down the left-hand side.
What a day. Almost 1 year to the day of promotion to the @WPL_Official we secure a European Play Off Place! Thank you to the Mgt team & players 💛💙👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/a1W9ft178c
— Barry Town United (@BarryTownUnited) April 15, 2018
His goal means that Barry will now be in the play-offs, with a chance to play against some of the most prestigious clubs in Europe next season.
Chris Hughes’ side are a tough nut to crack…
The Robins defended excellently throughout, and it took a moment of magic to break them down. Apart from that, they were barely breached by Barry and looked like a constant threat on the counter-attack.
Hughes will be enormously proud of how his side set up, and contained Barry and they can take real confidence heading into their final two games – against Prestatyn Town and Aberystwyth Town, respectively.
Ethan Jones shows class and style for visitors…
What a talent. The colossal Ethan Jones was a nightmare for the hosts all afternoon. He took his goal with style, and his directness caused the Barry backline problems all afternoon.
Took his goal expertly too. And could have had an assist, but Luke Boundford’s effort was saved at point-blank range by Mike Lewis in the Barry goals.
Kayne McLaggon returns for hosts in draw with Robins…
One of the biggest ovations of the day, apart from when the final whistle went. The return of top-scorer Kayne McLaggon is absoluely massive, especially with the European play-offs coming up. He looked a little rusty, but it didn’t stop him chasing every single ball down.
63’ Here he comes @Kaynomc is back on the field replacing Newman 1-1
— Barry Town United (@BarryTownUnited) April 15, 2018
His tenacity and endeavour could be key in the play-offs. Almost provided an assist for Jonathan Hood to give Barry the winner. Everybody in yellow and blue is clearly delighted with his return.
Barry miss influence of suspended Luke Cooper at the back…
Gavin Chesterfield will no doubt be relieved to have his captain back for the next two games, as well as the play-offs. They missed his leadership at the back big time.
Although Lewis Cosslett made some crucial interventions, he was, on occasions, guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply and it was his mistake which led to Ethan Jones’ opening goal on 15 minutes – he will be another key part of the side if they’re to earn European football next season.
(Featured image: Rhys Skinner)
