Ollie Hulbert’s inspired performance sees Barry Town outwit Bala to end winless run
Ollie Hulbert celebrates scoring for Barry Town United. Barry Town United v Bala Town in JD Cymru Premier at Jenner Park on 23rd September 2023. Credit: Perry Dobbins.
Barry Town have won their first match of the Cymru Premier season at the eighth time of asking after beating Bala Town 3-1 at Jenner Park.
Former Bristol Rovers striker Hulbert scored two goals in the first-half before Kayne McLaggon’s goal put to bed any comeback despite Josh Ukek’s introduction.
Steve Jenkins’ side move out of the relegation zone and are level on points with second-from-bottom Haverfordwest County. The Lakesiders meanwhile hold the last play-off spot and are two points ahead of Cardiff Met.
The match started with chance after chance at each end, with Bala seeming to have the better of the chances in the first 10. Aeron Edwards was played in behind at the beginning of the match. His volley produced a top-quality save from Michael Lewis. Just two minutes later they had another chance again. The ever-present Osebi Abadaki found himself in great space before his shot was well saved again by Lewis.
However, this was where Barry’s chances would begin, starting with a rapid counter attack. It began with a Bala free kick taken by Naim Arsan and well dealt with by Lewis once again. Barry then went down the other end and had a shot of their own well saved by Absalom. But unfortunately for Bala, Absalom was unable to save Barry’s next attempt on goal.
Kayne Mclaggon was sent through before the ball found its way to Ollie Hulbert. The former Bristol Rovers man slotted it home to give the home team the advantage. Hulbert had not finished though. Another opportunity soon fell his way, but Absalom was quick off his line to deny him.
The next big chance was in Barry’s favour. Kyle Harrison showed great feet on the Barry right hand side, he pulled it back for Kayne Mclaggon who blazed over.
There was only so many times that Hulbert could be denied before grabbing his second, and it felt that it was coming. A scramble in the box resulted with the ball falling to Ollie Hulbert again before a Bala defender threw themselves in front of the shot from 6 yards out, resulting in a corner. From the corner Kayne Mclaggon has a header brilliantly saved Absalom before Hulbert is there once again to poke in the rebound. The half time whistle shortly followed.
The second half began with a couple of chances for Barry Town. Harrison Bright caused the Bala defence problems, with two dangerous crosses dealt with by the Bala defence. Barry looked happy to keep the ball as far away from their goal as possible, even if that meant allowing Bala to keep possession. However, there was only so long they could hold on for. The ball fell to newly introduced Josh Ukek in the box who smashed home off the underside of the bar. Barry soaked up a lot of pressure during the first half and paid for it.
However, the home side would restore the two goal deficit for Bala to chase just three minutes later. Lucas Tomlinson slotted the ball through to Kayne Mclaggon who slotted the ball home. The defenders appeals for offside were waved away by the linesman and the two-goal lead was restored. Dominant pressure from Bala between McLaggon’s goal and the full-time whistle was not enough and Barry walked away with their first win of the season.
(Featured Image: Perry Dobbins)
