Boxing Day clash with Met was good advert for Welsh Premier League says Chesterfield
Barry Town United manager Gavin Chesterfield says his sides Boxing Day win over Cardiff Metropolitan was a good advertisement for Welsh Premier League football.
Kayne McLaggon and captain Jordan Cotterill netted in the first-half to give Barry the victory and top spot in the JD Welsh Premier League.
All goals were scored in the first-half, whilst it was a battle of tactics in the second half.
The Barry Town United manager said:“I thought it was a really good advert for the JD Welsh Premier League.
“Christmas games can be a little flat at times but I thought it was a good advert.
“You’ve got two sets of players who went with their work honest, fair but competitive.
“I know Christian who is tactically astute changed the shape a couple of times. We had to do the same.
“I thought it was good for the terms of a neutral but also a good game tactically to be part of.
“In the second half I thought Cardiff Met really came into the game and threw a bit more caution to the wind. I wouldn’t say they broke us down too many times.”
Barry Town finished the year at Jenner Park with just two defeats. One of those was to reigning Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints.
But it’s been a year of solidity for Barry who have been a tough outfit to come up against at Jenner Park.
The club won by a one-goal margin once more, but that isn’t something that bothers the Barry gaffer.
“I think firstly goals in the Welsh Premier League are hard to come by. Teams are so organised and set up so well by their managers that it’s difficult.
“One goals always enough to win a game, that means we scored more goals than the opposition which is great.
“We are a bit more clinical than we were last year but we can improve in that department
again.
“It’s not as if we’re not creating chances. If we can keep on winning by just the one goal I’ll be delighted.”
The two sides will meet again at Cyncoed Campus this New Years Eve in one of the only games on in the South Wales capital that day.
Barry’s last visit to Cyncoed Campus was a 4-1 defeat in the Europa League play-off semi-finals.
“You’ve got two sets of players who went with their work honest, fair but competitive.
Two well organised teams and hopefully it makes for another good showing at Cyncoed Campus on New Years Eve.
Macauley Southam-Hales who has attracted interest from Football League clubs and The New Saints missed the game against Cardiff Met on Boxing Day.
He tweaked his ankle against Caernarfon Town last Saturday but could make an appearance this Monday.
“He’s touch and go for the Cardiff Met. He took a knock against Caernarfon, the swelling hasn’t gone down in time.
“The good thing about Macca is that he’s had a terrific season. In steps Paul Morgan, it shows the strength of the squad.
“I’ve got lads who are desperate to play football and when they come in they do well, so long may it continue.”
(Featured Image: Rhys Skinner)
