Barry Town United 2-1 Pontypridd Town: Mackenzie Olden brace keeps Barry in Adran Premier

Barry Town secured their spot in the Adran Premier with a dramatic last day win over Pontypridd Town.

Starting the day bottom of the table the win along with TNS’s win over Port Talbot sees Barry retain their spot while Port Talbot Town drop into the Adran South.

Mackenzie Olden put the host ahead two minutes before half time in what had been a tense first half. Barry began the second half better and Olden grabbed her second after 54′ minutes. Alison Whitts pulled one back for Pontypridd after 71 minutes but despite late pressure they could not find a second.

Barry finish the season in 7th place but importantly will play in the Adran Premier next season. Pontypridd will finish in fifth place overall but top of the Adran Plate.

The games opening exchanges were scrappy and tense as both teams tried to settle into the game. The early goings saw few chances, Robyn Pinder had shot blocked and Lauren Harris making a run forward saw her shot blocked.

Pontypridd had the first real chance when a good ball into the box found Holly Salmons. The ball bounced off Salmons and Erin Brennan was able to make the save.

As the half drew to a close Barry had a good chance to open the scoring. A good ball though by Laruen Harris found Mackenzie Olden one on one with Masie Jones. Jones came out quickly and dived on the ball receiving a knock in the process.

Just before the break the Linnets took the lead though Olden. After another good ball to set her though Olden calmly slid the ball past Jones.

Half Time: Barry Town 1-0 Pontypridd Town

Pontypridd started better in the second half. Kirsty Pervin-Davies heading just wide and Robyn Pinder seeing her effort from the edge of the box go wide.

Despite Ponty’s good start they found themselves two down. Barry breaking quickly once again got the ball thought to Olden in the clear who put the ball under the advancing Jones.

Shortly after and Olden could have had her hat trick. Getting the ball in the box she shot over from close range.

Anna Houghton put a ball behind the defence that found Olden but she put her effort just wide of the post.

Pontypridd started to come back into the game and Anais Trinci tried to direct a header to goal from the edge of the box. With no real power on the header it was an easy save for Erin Brennan.

Pontypridd’s pressure soon told as they were able to pull a goal back. Alison Whitts receiving the ball on the edge of the area. She hit a shot across goal that went in off the post.

With time running down the Dragons looked for the equalising goal, Alana Murphy’s header saved by Brennan.

With Pontypridd pushing forward Barry had a chance to counter. Manon Pearce breaking behind the defence was brought down by Robyn Pinder. With Pearce clear on goal Pinder was shown a straight red card leaving Pontypridd to play with 10 players.

Pontypridd were unable to find a break though in the final minutes and Barry held on for a hard fought win.

Barry Town: Erin Brennan (G), Lauren Harris (C), Holy Jenkins, Delia Ebbin, Megan Bowen, Hazel Lockwood, Grace O’Reilly (Olivia Townsend 81), Anna Houghton (Rhian Thomas 88), Mackenzie Olden (Lorna Thomas 90+1), Manon Pearce, Faith Mulenga.

Goals: Mackenzie Olden 43′ 54.

Yellow Cards: Grace O’Reilly 81.

Pontypridd Town: Maisie Jones (G), Jessica Osborne (Lauryn Lyons 69), Renee Day (C), Ellie Gunney, Kirstie Pervin-Davies, Robyn Pinder, Alison Whitts, Anais Trinci, Carys Bufton, Holly Salmons (Alana Murphy 45), Shannon Greenway.

Goals: Alison Whitts 71.

Yellow Cards: Shannon Greenway 69.

Red Card: Robyn Pinder 86.

(Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)