Barry Town picked up their first Adran Premier win of the season, as they defeated Aberystwyth Town 4-0 at Jenner Park.
After Erin Murray and Jasmine Turner scored two goals deep into the first half, Ingrid Ådland and Ellie Preece added another two in the second, as the Linnets scored their first goals of the season to record a big win.
As we take a look back at the game, here are the three stars who shined in today’s fixture.
Ellie Preece
Preece was highlighted as the player of the match in Sunday’s game, and there were reasons aplenty for that.
We all know how quick Preece is, and if there was ever an Adran Premier 100m race, my money would be on the Barry winger to win it. But what was noticeable today was how she used it. Not only did she glide past markers, but the way she was able to quickly recognise space between defenders and exploit it was impeccable.
Preece also has an incredible energy to her. While she was only on the pitch for an hour, she never broke into a sweat, and her constant energy is such a positive for this Barry team, who harbour hopes of a top four finish.
Preece in the past has won countless trophies with Cardiff Met, and knows what it takes to be one of the best. If she can bring her winning mentality and experience to this Barry side, then who knows what’s possible for them.
Barry Town 4-0 Aberystwyth Town: Electric Linnets pick up first Adran Premier win
Ingrid Ådland
We have become used to the Norwegian striker scoring buckets of goals wherever she goes, but in this system, she takes on a different responsibility.
In this new look system that Stevie McCarthy-Campbell is trying to implement, Ådland is able to play more of an attacking midfielder role, and it’s something she does incredibly well. When Barry counter, they resemble the Red Arrows, with often five in yellow flying forward, ready to pounce on any opportunity presented to them. But at the base of this flying squad is the Norwegian, and she can find teammates oh so easily.
That’s not to say she can’t score goals. Her finish for Barry’s third goal was sublime and served as a reminder to those across the country that she remains one of the most lethal finishers in the division.
Having Ådland play in this hybrid role as a striker and an attacking midfielder is Barry’s version of playing a joker card. A special all-round performance today.
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Lauren Harris
There have been plenty of new faces coming in through the doors of Jenner Park, but one constant has always been Lauren Harris.
With the attack developing, the defence is too, and Harris is at the heart of it. Having played a back four against TNS on opening day, they’ve now transitioned into a back five, and Harris lies right in the centre of it. We know how tenacious the Barry skipper is, and her tackling once again was nothing short of exceptional.
The other thing you get with Harris is excellent communication. Especially with so many new and young players around, the way the defender is able to instruct and guide players into their positions is very unique. There’s a gravitas to Harris, and whenever she speaks, people listen.
There is a tendency to focus on attack, especially in games like these, but Harris’ performance served as a timely remind that a strong defence is key to a winning mentality.
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