Mathew Jones got Aberystwyth’s Cymru Premier campaign off to the perfect start with a dramatic 2-1 win over Barry Town at Park Avenue.
In front of the returning Seasiders faithful and a strong Linnets travelling support, the hosts fell behind thanks to Marcus Day’s opener, only for goals for Sam Phillips and a last-minute Mathew Jones free-kick to secure a huge opening day victory.
The three points mark a successful start to Antonio Corbisiero’s first full season in charge at the club, after replacing Gavin Allen.
The Linnets, who will be looking to bounce back from last year’s disappointment of losing in the European play-offs to Caernarfon Town, start the season with a defeat.
Barry Town started on the front foot and went close to taking the lead in the opening five minutes.
Right-back Luke Cummings crossed excellently from the right for Nat Jarvis to power a header at goal, only to be denied by a fantastic save from new recruit Gregor Zabret.
Jarvis was again involved, as he was found in the box by Chris Hugh, but couldn’t quite direct his header goalwards.
The Seasiders grew into the contest and created chances of their own and found joy in breaking down the right through Jack Rimmer.
The full-back beat Hugh to the ball and squared to new signing Phillips in the box, whose effort at goal was saved by Mike Lewis in a huge opportunity to take the lead.
Barry Town punished the hosts for failing to take their chance, as they gained the advantage in the 23rdminute.
Striker Kayne McLaggon headed back across the box for the lively Day, who was on hand to fire the opener past Zabret.
Aberystwyth responded well to falling behind and went close to an equaliser, as a free-kick routine found Phillips in the box, but the winger was denied once again by a fantastic save from Lewis against his former club.
The Seasiders weren’t to be denied, however, as they found the equaliser in the 44th minute.
Playmaker Owain Jones found Mathew Jones on the left, whose excellent low cross was turned home by Phillips to level the scoring at the break.
Much like the first half, Barry Town started the second period by creating an opportunity.
Day’s dangerous free-kick delivery was met by centre-back Luke Cooper, who could only direct his header straight at Zabret in the Seasiders goal.
Corbisiero’s side remained a danger on the counter-attack however and went close to taking the lead.
A fast break lead by Owain Jones resulted in Rimmer finding space to fire at goal, only for Lewis to save once again.
From the resulting corner, Mathew Jones’ delivery was met by Rhys Davies at the back post, who couldn’t quite connect cleanly with the header.
Barry’s Lewis was again called into action, as Owain Jones was found on the edge of the area to shoot, but the Linnets’ shot-stopper was again on-hand to make the save.
Both sides pushed for a winning goal late-on. Barry right-back Cummings crossed for McLaggon in the area, who couldn’t quite direct the delivery goalwards.
Substitute Aron Davies went close to making an instant impact as he looked to play in Theo Wharton, but the pass to the St Kitts and Nevis international was just too heavy.
In the final minute, Aberystwyth Town had a huge chance to secure a dramatic win, as John Owen beat Lewis to the ball, but couldn’t quite find the net.
The Seasiders’ found a dramatic winner, however, as Mathew Jones’ stepped up with a superb 90th minute free-kick to give the hosts the lead.
In the dying minutes, a goalmouth scramble saw Barry Town go close to an equaliser, but the Seasiders survived the danger.
Aberystwyth Town now face the tough challenge of travelling to the Deeside Stadium to face champions Connah’s Quay Nomads, while Barry Town host Bala Town in their next fixture.
Aberystwyth Town: Gregor Zabret, Jack Rimmer, Rhys Davies, Lee Jenkins, Jack Thorn (C), Mathew Jones, Jamie Veale, John Owen, Harry Franklin, Sam Phillips, Owain Jones (Alex Darlington 80’)
Goals: Sam Phillips 44’, Mathew Jones 90’
Barry Town United: Mike Lewis, Luke Cummings, Chris Hugh, Robbie Patten (Aron Davies 74’), Kayne McLaggon (C), Nat Jarvis, Marcus Day (Jordan Cotterill 74’), Theo Wharton (Callum Sainty 85’), Curtis McDonald, Luke Cooper, Clayton Green
Goals: Marcus Day 23’
Yellow Cards: Callum Sainty 90’
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