Barry Town United boss Gavin Chesterfield has praised his players for their comeback against The New Saints on the weekend.
Defending champions The New Saints raced into a 2-0 lead at Park Hall, but the visitors responded and Jonathan Hood’s strike deep into injury time secured the away side a hard-earned point.
Chesterfield’s men have maintained their position within the title race into 2019, and Hood’s late goal has kept the race for the JD Welsh Premier League title wide open, with just three points separating Connah’s Quay Nomads, TNS and the South Wales outfit.
But, the Barry manager was full of praise for his side for their mentality to respond from being 2-0 down to take away a positive result from the game.
“As a manager, that’s so much more we can improve upon but wow the character and togetherness they’ve shown is magnificent,” the manager stated.
“Delighted firstly to get a point away from home. Particularly after going 1-0 down in the first minute. Then going 2-0 down.
“Truth be told, in the first 25-30 minutes I thought TNS were exceptional. I think they could have scored a couple more goals and it would have been very difficult for us.
“But as a manager I think I reflect negatively on that but really positively on the way the boys responded. “
Despite going into the break behind, Barry were able to stay within touching distance of Scott Ruscoe’s men courtesy of a Kayne McLaggon penalty.
But, Chesterfield has stated that his charges were much better in the second period.
“Kayne took his penalty really well and got us into half time where we’re still in touch, when we probably didn’t deserve to be. But second half we were excellent and very very comfortable.
Mike made a really pivotal save at 2-1 that would have made it 3-1 and the lads showed what they’re capable of in the second half and over the moon to get a point.
Chesterfield was also full of praise for match saviour Hood, who has been in fine form for the Linnets this season.
Hood has formed an exciting attacking lineup with Modou Touray, who joined the club on loan from Newport this season, and Kayne McLaggon.
Hood’s goal on Saturday is one of many excellent strikes he’s had this season, and Chesterfield has hailed the forward for his courage to take the effort on in the circumstances.
“He’s almost having his own goal of the season competition at the moment. Fantastic strike and I thought he had was excellent on Saturday, really positive.
“And he’s a great character, a senior player amongst our group. And to see him take that strike, in the context too, last minute away from home against TNS last kick of the game, delighted; sent everyone home very happy.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Rhys Skinner
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