Match Report: Barry Town United 1-1 Newtown – Jonathan Hood’s stunning strike seals European play-off spot for Linnets
Jonathan Hood’s first-half strike was enough to seal a point for Barry in a game where they were second-best for large periods at Jenner Park as they secured their place in the European play-offs.
The impressive Ethan Jones took the lead midway through the first-half, before Hood equalised 10 minutes before the break.
The Robins had a fantastic chance to win it through Luke Boundford, but the crossbar came to Barry’s rescue as Gavin Chesterfield’s side booked a play-off spot.
Barry will next travel to Llandudno, before traveling to Prestatyn Town to end Phase Two. Chris Hughes’ side will end their campaign with fixtures against Prestatyn Town at home, and Aberystwyth Town on the road.
Match Report
In a relatively even opening at Jenner Park, it was the visitors who took the lead after Barry cheaply gave the ball away in the middle of the park. Ryan Kershaw took full advantage as he set up Ethan Jones, who made no mistake as he slid the ball low beyond Mike Lewis in the Barry goal.
It was a mistake from Lewis Cosslett in midfield which led to the goal, which put Gavin Chesterfield’s side on the back-foot after a slow start to the game.
Newtown appeared to be managing the game very efficiently. However, their hard work would be undone 10 minutes from the break as Jonathan Hood found space down the right-hand side, swiftly moved inside and produced a classy finish into the bottom corner and the Linnets were level as the sun came out at Jenner Park.
FULL TIME 1-1 WE Did it!!! European play off place secured!!!
— Barry Town United (@BarryTownUnited) April 15, 2018
The visitors were clearly in South Wales to spoil the party and Ethan Jones almost struck his second of the game, but his effort was tame and Lewis comfortably saved this time around as the teams went in at the break level.
Very much like the first-half, Newtown started the brighter and Ethan Jones was continuing to cause the Barry backline problems as he outmuscled two or three men in yellow, before finding Luke Boundford, but he couldn’t quite find the net as Mike Lewis saved expertly in what was a big let-off for the hosts.
The visitors were certainly still a threat and Alex Fletcher as his effort flew just over Mike Lewis’ net as the Robins continued to pile on the pressure and with 15 minutes left, Boundford’s deflected effort smashed up against the upright as Newtown ended the game the stronger of the two sides.
But Barry held on to secure a play-off berth after an asonishing second-half of the campaign for Chesterfield’s outfit.
Man of the match (Ethan Jones – Newtown)
What a performance. The front-man was a nuisance for the Barry backline all afternoon and he took his goal with real style – could have set up up Boundford to give the Robins all three points, too.
A phenomenal talent, and with more performances like that, it could see bigger teams chasing the striker’s services.
(Featured image: Rhys Skinner)
