Barry Town United 2-2 Bala Town: Desmond at Jenner Park after even affair
Barry Town United and Bala Town couldn’t be separated on a sun-soaked afternoon at Jenner Park.
Drew Fahiya brought Barry level late in the first half before Lassana Mendes levelled for the Lakesiders. Kayne McLaggon put Barry back in front, before an equaliser from Stuart Jones.
Both sides going into the game had a similar record and a draw was a fair reflection, given the performance of the two sides.
Bala had started on the front foot and continued to make small chances in the early stages of the game.
It was Barry though who went closest though as Drew Fahiya hooked a shot over the bar from close-range, following a cross from Tom Fry.
Barry appealed for a penalty when Joshua Tibbetts and Kayne McLaggon collided, but it was Tibbetts who came off worse.
The hosts opened the scoring just before the break. A hopeful ball over the top fell to Drew Fahiya who lofted the ball over a wounded Joshua Tibbetts.
Both sides were affected by injuries. Tibbets was substituted for Morris whilst Chris Hugh looked to have picked up a hamstring injury, as he was replaced by Paul Morgan.
Lee Molyneux’s free-kick destined for the top corner was comfortably saved by the assured George Ratcliffe.
Bala had an appeal for a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Chris Venables was nudged as he attacked a Louis Robles cross, but instead, he was shown a yellow card for his complaints.
Barry were able to see out the first-half as they survived a late string of Bala attacks.
Leslie, similar to Molyneux in the first half, tested Ratcliffe with a free-kick, but the Cardiff City loanee was alert to it once more.
Bala struck a deserved equaliser just before the hour mark. Sean Smith puts a low ball across to Lassana Mendes who poked home his shot past Ratcliffe.
Gavin Chesterfield’s side were back in front through Kayne McLaggon. Substitute Eli Phipps hit a half-volley at Morris who could only palm it to McLaggon, who thumped home his effort.
Bala responded once again as Stuart Jones hit a bullet header from Henry Jones’ corner kick to bring the Lakesiders level.
Approaching stoppage time, substitute Kieran Smith saw his flicked header glance agonisingly wide of the goal.
Neither side were able to find the fifth goal of the game, playing to a fair result.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
