Barry Town United 2-1 Haverfordwest County : a Nathaniel Jarvis winner gives The Linnets their third win on the bounce

Barry Town United gain all three points in a competitive affair against The Bluebirds.

A headed goal from Nathaniel Jarvis in the 68^th minute turned out to be the winner for The Linnets.

Gavin Chesterfield’s men started lively as they had two shots from similar positions outside the box. The first shot, from Theo Wharton, was fired over the bar and the second, from Clayton Green went wide of the post.

Danny Williams had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 16^th minute as he was found on the right-hand side before beating Curtis McDonald. He cut the ball onto his left foot and, despite having options in the box to pass to, decided to go by himself, only for his shot to hit the side netting.

Barry Town were next to come close, only a minute later, as attacker Nat Jarvis was found in the box from a free-kick but his header was off target.

David Cotterill was introduced in the 20^th minute as he replaced Luke Cummings. The Ex-Wales international had an instant impact as he provided a well-delivered cross into the danger area that challenged Ricky Watts. The Haverfordwest captain reacted first to clear his lines with a header.

Cotterill was amongst the action again in the 27^th minute as he netted a free-kick from distance. The 32-year-old’s venomous strike seemed to confuse Steven Hall who dropped the ball backwards with it being unclear whether the ball went over the line or not.  The linesman, however, flagged to indicate the ball had crossed the line.

Danny Williams had a similar chance again for the visitors nine minutes later. This time, his shot forced a save out of Mike Lewis whose strong parry pushed the ball out for a corner.

Nat Jarvis almost doubled Barry Town’s lead towards the end of the first half when his flicked-on headed attempt from a corner was just off target.

The first chance of the second half fell to Kayne McLaggon who was found in the box from the left-hand-side. McLaggon’s side-footed volley flew over the crossbar.

Haverfordwest equalised in the 63^rd minute when  Ben Fawcett was first to react as he head home from a corner. He was unmarked in the six-yard-box.

Three minutes later, the visitors came close to taking the lead. Kieran Lewis was played through on goal but Mike Lewis saved in a one-on-one situation. The Bluebirds were claiming a penalty as they believed their attacker was fouled when shooting.

Haverfordwest were made to regret the miss immediately when, just two minutes later, Nathaniel Jarvis gave the hosts the lead. Jarvis was found unmarked in the box before converting with a header.

Barry Town’s experience allowed them to see the game out and collect all three points.

The game ended dramatically as the visitors pushed on for an equaliser. They had a penalty shout when Ben Fawcett seemed to be tripped in the box in injury time but the referee didn’t award the penalty.

Barry Town United: Michael Lewis, Christopher Hugh, Luke Cooper, Kayne McLaggon, Nat Jarvis, Jordan Cotterill (Curtis Jemmett-Hutson 82’), Luke Cummings (David Cotterill 20’), Theo Wharton (Michael George 77’), Curtis McDonald, Clayton Green (C), Evan Press.

Goals: David Cotterill 27’, Nathaniel Jarvis 68’

Haverfordwest County: Steven Hall, Alaric Lloyd Jones, Scott Tancock, Ricky Watts (C), Corey Shephard (Sean Pemberton 86’), Ben Fawcett, Cameron Keetch (Marcus Griffiths 78’), Jack Wilson, Kurtis Rees (Jack Britton 57’), Kieran Lewis, Jack Williams.

Goals: Ben Fawcett 63’

This is how the game panned out at Jenner Park as Barry reigned victoriously:

(Featured Image: John Smith/Football Association of Wales)