Barry Town United manager Gavin Chesterfield has revealed that he was almost going to leave out hat-trick hero Kayne McLaggon before their Welsh Cup Quarter-Final victory Cambrian & Clydach Vale.
McLaggon had only arrived back in Wales in the morning having spent the week away in New York and may have been left out due to the factors of travelling.
He was the only decision that Chesterfield was deciding on, having named an unchanged side from their draw against Welsh Premier League leaders Connah’s Quay.
“I wasn’t going to play him, he knows that as well,” revealed Chesterfield.
“He flew back early this morning. I thought last week the lads deserved to keep their shirt. It’s funny how fate intervenes sometimes where you make a decision. He’s got his three goals and I’m delighted for him.”
The game saw Barry Town United take the lead, go behind, the level before securing the tie. It was Jordan Cotterill and Kayne McLaggon who ran the show for the Dragons. Captain Cotterill provided McLaggon three times on a blustery night at Jenner Park.
Barry had lost to Welsh League outfit Cambrian & Clydach Vale in the early rounds of the Nathaniel MG Cup. That was the start of a memorable Cup run for Cambrian who knocked out four Welsh Premier League sides. However, Barry prevailed to reach their first Welsh Cup semi-final in six years in an entertaining affair.
“It must have been a really good game for the neutral. We started really well, we were fine margins way from doing some really good things at times.
“I’m delighted with the spirit the lads showed today against a very good team.
“Second half I’m delighted with my lads’ character, they’ve had to deal with three shape changes. I’m really happy with Kayne getting his goals as well.
“We wanted to show we were better than the performance earlier in the season. We got through to the semi-finals now and we can’t wait for the draw on Monday.”
Barry Town United reached the same stage of the competition in 2013, having beaten Flint Town United as a then Division One club. They were later pulled from the Welsh League and demoted to Division Three, just months after narrowly losing to eventual 2013 Welsh Cup winners Prestatyn Town at Latham Park.
“We go there now as a better club, a stronger team, a better group of men and it’s exciting for all of us. The boys have done fantastic this year and long may it may continue.”
(Featured Image: Rhys Skinner)
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