Barry Town United 1-0 Aberystwyth Town: Nat Jarvis strikes late for the Linnets

Barry Town got back to winning ways with a late 1–0 victory over Aberystwyth Town at Jenner Park. 

An emphatic finish from striker Nat Jarvis was enough to secure a valuable three points for the Linnets.

In a contest where both sides had chances, Aberystwyth Town will feel aggrieved to leave Jenner Park empty-handed.

The victory sees the Linnets return to fourth in the Cymru Premier table, leapfrogging Penybont who gained a creditable goalless draw against champions Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Aberystwyth started well as captain Marc Williams almost profited from a mishap in the Barry defence, but Evan Press recovered well to deny the chance to shoot.

Another chance fell to the Seasiders when the ball broke to Harry Franklin, who was denied an opportunity to shoot by defender Curtis McDonald.

The Linnets grew into the contest and thought they had found the lead through Jamie Bird, who fired past Connor Roberts, only to be caught offside. 

Aberystwyth continued to press well and looked buoyed by their opening two results since the re-start.

Referee Alex Livesey was then called into action, as Seasiders winger Franklin went down in the box, but the challenge was adjudged to be a fair one. 

On the stroke of half-time, Barry were inches away from taking the lead, as McDonald put in a brilliant cross for Nat Jarvis to attack, but the forward headed narrowly over, ensuring the score was goalless at the break.

Aberystwyth, much like the first-half, started sharply, as a great run from Franklin saw him cut inside and force a great save out of Mike Lewis.

It was then Barry’s turn to create a chance, as a great ball into the box couldn’t quite be turned home by Theo Wharton. 

A golden chance then fell to the Linnets, as Jamie Bird did brilliantly to beat Jack Rimmer on the left and find Jarvis, who fired agonisingly over from close range.

As both sides looked for a winner, a chance fell to the Seasiders’ Franklin, who couldn’t quite connect with the ball at the back post.

The Linnets pushed Aberystwyth back in the last ten minutes and forced an opportunity through former Wales international David Cotterill. 

The experienced winger crossed excellently for substitute Callum Sainty, who headed over the bar.

With just four minutes to play, Barry Town broke the deadlock, as Michael George found space in the box to square for Nat Jarvis, who emphatically fired home the winner. 

Despite the Seasiders’ best efforts to equalise, the Linnets secured a valuable three points late on.

Barry Town return to action on Tuesday night, as they face a trip to Penybont, while Aberystwyth Town host Newtown in their next fixture.

Barry Town United: Mike Lewis, Luke Cooper (C), Robbie Patten, Nat Jarvis, David Cotterill, Theo Wharton (Rhys Kavanagh 70’), Curtis McDonald, Rhys Abbruzzese (Kyle Patten 37’), Michael George, Jamie Bird (Curtis Jemmett-Hutson 70), Evan Press (Callum Sainty 70’)

Goals: Nat Jarvis 86’

Yellow Cards: Jamie Bird 60’, Robbie Patten 82’

Aberystwyth Town: Connor Roberts, Louis Bradford, Lee Jenkins, Harry Franklin (Steven Hewitt 87’), Jamie Veale, Marc Williams ©, Rhys Davies, Owain Jones (Geoff Kellaway 70’), Jack Thorn, Jamie Reed (Jonny Evans 75’), Jack Rimmer

Yellow Cards: Jamie Veale 41’, Lee Jenkins 75”

Re-live the action from Jenner Park as Barry Town host Aberystwyth Town:

(Featured Image: Rhys Skinner)