Five main talking points from Barry Town’s stalemate with Newtown

Barry Town and Newtown played out an entertaining stalemate at Jenner Park on Saturday. 

In an end-to-end affair, both sides will feel that they could have claimed all three points. 

Here are the main talking points from the the second draw between Barry Town and Newtown this season. 

Opportunities Squandered

Despite the game being goalless, there were numerous chances for both sides to break the deadlock. 

Nathaniel Jarvis hit the woodwork with a superb effort in the first half, before James Davies raced through on goal, only to be denied by a fantastic last-ditch challenge by Luke Cooper. 

Both sides again went close in the second period, with Nick Rushton firing narrowly wide for the visitors, while Sam Bowen and Kayne McLaggon also had chances for the Linnets. 

With so many opportunities for both sides, the contest really could have been a high-scoring affair. 

Goalkeeping Performances

Both sides’ goalkeepers produced some key saves in crucial moments to keep the score at 0-0. 

Early in the second-half, Neil Mitchell found space in the box to fire at goal, but Mike Lewis denied him with a fine stop for the Linnets. 

One of the game’s biggest chances was Kayne McLaggon’s second-half effort, as he was played in on the left and cut inside towards goal. 

With just Dave Jones to beat, the Newtown goalkeeper pulled off a superb save to deny the Linnets striker. 

The goalkeeping performances of Jones and Lewis had a strong contribution to why the game ended goalless. 

Newtown can compete

The Robins came out of the blocks quickly, had the most possession and looked to play on the front foot. 

Chris Hughes’ side looked comfortable on the ball and pressed the Linnets well. 

Despite Barry Town having the best chances over the 90 minutes, Newtown will feel that they could have won the game. 

The performances of Nick Rushton and especially Ryan Edwards were a real highlight for the visitors. 

Midfield Battle

The battle between Newtown’s George Hughes and Sean McAllister and Barry Town’s Theo Wharton and Jordan Cotterill was an intriguing one. 

Both partnerships were key in the likes of Neil Mitchell, Nick Rushton and Kayne McLaggon finding space further forward. 

With both sides trying to get in-behind the opposition defence, the roles of playmakers Neil Mitchell and Jordan Cotterill were key. 

In a game of many chances, Mitchell, in particular, found joy in picking up pockets of space in the number ten position. 

Barry Town’s prospect

The quality of Barry Town’s Evan Press has become common knowledge to Cymru Premier fans.

Operating on the right of a defensive trio with Curtis McDonald and Luke Cooper, Press shows so much leadership at a young age. 

The 20 year-old is strong in the air, shown by his first-half chance from a corner that flew into the grateful arms of Dave Jones.

Coming back into the Barry Town starting lineup today, Press’ and Luke Cooper’s performances in particular were a highlight for Gavin Chesterfield’s side. 

(Featured Image: Mike James)