Barry Town United 1-2 Caernarfon Town – Mike Hayes double secures win for Caernarfon
Two goals from Mike Hayes ensured that Caernarfon finish phase one of The JD Cymru Premier in seventh.
Caernarfon had a flying start to the game as Hayes opened the scoring after just four minutes. Barry fought back and enjoyed large spells of pressure as they looked for an equaliser. They got one thanks to a stunning effort from Jordan Cotterill after 36 minutes. Hayes got the winning goal just before the hour mark. Caernarfon closed up an played off the break as Barry tried to get another equaliser. Barry were unable to find a second goal and Caernarfon return to North Wales with three points.
The win means Caernarfon will end phase one in seventh place. Barry now find themselves just a point above the relegation zone after Haverfordwest’s win over Cefn Druids.
It was a flying start for Huw Griffiths’ side who took the lead after just four minutes. Mike Hayes put pressure on Chris Hugh and won the ball inside the box. Hayes fired a low drive across goal into the bottom corner of Kelland Absalom’s goal.
Barry came back well after going behind and began to pressure the visitors. Marcus Day tried to set up Kane McLaggon but the forward was crowded by Caernarfon defenders and they were able to clear.
Jordan Cotterill found McLaggon in the box with a low ball across goal. McLaggon snatched at the chance and put the ball just wide.
Cotterill was trying to drive his side forward and made a good run thought the middle, hitting a shot straight at Jakub Ojrzynski.
The pressure kept coming and Cotterill found Curtis McDonald at the far post from a free kick. McDonald could headed just wide of the goal.
McLaggon had another chance as he skilfully jinked past two defenders to create space for a shot. McLaggon poked at the ball and it was easy for Ojrzynski.
Caernarfon despite being under pressure were countering quickly as Barry pushed forward. Darren Thomas shooting just wide after a quick break.
Barry’s pressure told as they got their equaliser. Cotterill received the ball out on the left from Theo Wharton and looped the ball over Ojrzynski into the far corner.
Half Time: Barry 1-1 Caernarfon
Caernarfon had the first chance of the second half as Thomas hit a powerful shot that flew just past the post.
Thomas soon after put a ball into Hayes in the box. Hayes fired a decent effort just wide.
Caernarfon’s counter attack was a danger all game and its from a counter that they got their second. Barry lost the ball in the Caernarfon half and they quickly moved forward. A quick ball behind the Barry defence from Daniel Gosset sent Hayes away. Hayes ran into the box and went round Absalom and stroked the ball home. Barry question weather Hayes was offside but no flag and the goal stood.
Barry went looking for another goal and Marcus Day went very close. From a free kick Day whipped the ball towards the top corner but it whisked past the post.
Soon after and Barry had another chance Day again with the effort that bounced in front Ojrzynski, who pushed the ball away.
Gavin Chesterfield made a triple change as the game drew to close. It was one of those changes that almost levelled the game. Callum Sainty rising highest to head at goal from a corner only to see the ball cleared off the line.
Full Time: Barry 1-2 Caernarfon.
Barry Town: Kelland Absalom (G), Chris Hugh, Kane McLaggon (C), Nat Jarvis (Rhys Kavanagh 53), Jordan Cotterill, Marcus Day (Michael George 86), Theo Wharton (Callum Sainty 86), Curtis McDonald (Evan Press 86), Harry Jones, Luke Cooper, Clayton Green.
Goals: Jordan Cotterill 36.
Yellow Cards: Clayton Green 69.
Caernarfon Town: Jakub Ojrzynski (G), Iwan Cartwright, Joshua Bailey, Gruffydd Williams, Sion Bradley (Rob Hughes 80), Daniel Gossett, Michael Hayes, Darren Thomas (C) (Aaron Simpson 90), Noah Edwards, Ryan Williams (Bobby Beaumont-Broadhead 45), Cai Jones.
Goals: Michael Hayes 4,58.
Yellow Cards: Darren Gosset 12.
(Featured Image: Chwarae Sports Agency)
