Barry Town United’s Europa League adventure came to an abrupt end after a crushing exit to Cliftonville.
Cliftonville were two goals to th good at half-time, as Conor McMenamin and Joe Gormley put the NIFL Premiership side in the driving seat.
A manic two minutes in the last ten saw the Reds earn a comprehensive victory, as Conor McDermott and Rory Donnelly added to Barry’s woes.
So what did we learn from Barry’s two European ties?
Direct replacement for Momodou Touray needed?
Barry tried getting him back but Touray’s absence over the two legs showed. The Newport County loanee got double figures in goals last season and was a big part of how they played.
It’s not time to dwell on the past and Barry will have to move on from Touray, but should a player in a similar mould to him come available then they should be all over it.
Barry should be in the market for a forward, although at this level prolific forwards are hard to come by.
European experience shows
With Barry not playing in Europe for 16 years, in that time Cliftonville have had 12 European matches.
Their experience showed on this occasion. They are a serial European side who know what it takes to compete at
A missed opportunity
With no disrespect, Cliftonville should fancy their chances against Norwegian outfit Haugesund next week.
Haugesund are currently mid table in their season with almost half the season gone. The Welsh Premier League has had victories before (See Connah’s Quay v Stabæk)
It looks like it could be an even tie and you wouldn’t put it past the NIFL Premiership side progressing even further.
For Barry, had they beaten Cliftonville then they could have received a windfall of £400,000, as well as having a realistic chance of progressing to Round Two.
Desire must be there to get back
It was a terrific season for Barry last season but having tasted this heavy defeat, the appetite needs to be there to make their European appearances a regular occurrence.
The previous Barry were a massive card in Welsh football, they can be a driving force of South Walian football again with the right ambition.
They’ve shown they’re a club that can develop young players and hopefully with the right balance as shown last season, more young up and coming talented players can make their way to Jenner Park.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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