A late Alana Murphy winner was enough to seal all three points for Abergavenny, as they defeated Barry Town United 1-0.
Murphy’s goal in the 88th minute secured Abergavenny’s second win of the season, in what was a superb performance by Josh Anderson’s side.
The result leaves both sides as they were coming into the match, Barry in seventh, Abergavenny in eighth, but the gap narrows between them.
The tactics of both sides going forward was interesting to see as the first half unfolded. For Barry, the close link up between Taite Trivett and Mackenzie Olden was going to cause the Pennies problems.
For the visitors, they put both Alana Murphy and Gracie Grosvenor on the last defenders, relying on their pace to latch onto any through ball provided to them, they just had to get the service.
While both sides showed attacking intent, chances in the first half were at a premium.
The best opportunity fell to Murphy, who tried to beat Erin Brennan from 35-yards out, but her shot just clipped the outside of the post.
For Barry, Olden and Trivett were having efforts on goal, but Marnie Gingell in the Abergavenny net was equal to all of them.
The first 45 minutes ended level, but it was clear that the next goal would be massive, not only in this game, but for both sides’ seasons.
Abergavenny came out of the traps the quickest in the second period. A flurry of dangerous crosses went into the Barry box, but there was no one in a red shirt at the end of them.
Barry then had their best chance on the hour mark. Olden was released with an excellent through ball, but Gingell came out of her box well to make a tackle on the striker. The ball rebounded to Olden who couldn’t get a shot away on an open goal, a chance I’m sure she’d want back.
But like much of the first half, the second was one lacking quality in the final third. The game needed a moment of quality in order for one team to snatch all three points.
With two minutes left to play and a lot of players out on their feet, Abergavenny took the lead.
Katie Williams won the ball expertly in midfield before producing a mesmeric outside of the foot through ball into Murphy, who slotted her effort right into the far bottom corner, to cause an eruption of joy for the girls in red.
The Pennies saw the game out in a professional manner to secure their second win of the season. For Barry, it’s beginning to look a little bleak.
Barry travel to Aberystwyth for their next game, while Abergavenny will also be on the road, this time against Pontypridd.
Player of the Match: Marnie Gingell
The Abergavenny defence and Katie Williams deserve a mention for solid performances, but I was so impressed by Gingell. In terms of shot stopping, she didn’t have much to do, but it was her command of her area, her anticipation, her bravery that were tremendous, not many keepers like her in this league
Barry Town United
Erin Brennan (GK), Lauren Harris ©, Holly Jenkins, Delia Ebbin, Faith Mulenga, Chloe Jones, Hana Bennett, Brooke Evans (Demi Parry, 83’), Ruby Hamed-Jones (Amelia Herbert, 75’), Taite Trivett, Mackenzie Olden
Unused Subs: Rhian Thomas, Lorna Thomas, Scarlett Davies
Abergavenny
Marnie Gingell (GK), Eliza Atkins, Caitlin Davies, Elena Scrivens, Sian Bull, Olivia Barnes, Lauren Boyd, Katie Williams ©, Alana Murphy, Megan Stanton, Gracie Grosvenor (Nikola Cybulska, 90’)
Unused Subs: Megan Chambers, Isabella Wilce
Goals: Alana Murphy (88’)
Yellow Cards: Caitlin Davies (62’)
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