Cardiff Met rescue last-minute point against Barry – Adran Premier Talking Points

Cardiff Met netted a penalty in the final seconds of their game against Barry Town United to rescue a point in their Adran Premier fixture on Sunday.

Barry Town United were dominant in the first half, netting two goals through Erin Murray in the 13th minute and Amy Long in the 21st minute.

It was the second half where Cardiff Met’s intensity came in. Gracie Howard scored a fantastic goal in the 62nd minute, but was sent off 11 minutes later for a forceful and unnecessary challenge.

Met kept attacking with belief until 8 minutes into added time, where they were awarded a penalty after one of their number was brought down in the box. Faith Mulenga converted the penalty on the final whistle to bring the game to a draw.

A game of two halves – and the left wing

To use the cliche term, the game was drastically different between both halves.

Barry Town United dominated possession and shots in the first half, breaking through Met’s defence at every turn. The left-wing was a real strong point for the Linnets, who were able to constantly break down and set up crosses into the box.

Cardiff Met’s rebound in the second half followed similar lines – controlling possession (but not dominating to the same degree as Barry), tightening the backline, and firing strategic long-shots towards the box.

Barry gel after a disastrous run of form

Barry’s side looked impressive and skilful in this match, with players like Sienna Stone and Ellie Gunney showing real prowess.

Stone was fantastic on the left-wing, weaving past defenders and keeping slick control of the ball under pressure, whilst Amy Long netted a brilliant goal in the 21st minute from a free-kick.

Barry’s results before facing Cardiff Met were dismal. A 1-4 loss at home to Briton Ferry was followed by a devastating 9-1 thrashing by TNS, leading to manager James Fishlock getting the sack.

Losses to Wrexham, Cardiff City and Swansea City followed, with this match described by manager Stevie McCarthy-Campbell as a “chance to get points on the board”.

McCarthy-Campbell’s aim did ring true, as Barry climbed to seventh in the table, overtaking Aberystwyth Town,

Met keep going despite a red card

Gracie Howard’s red card looked to be a turning point in the second half. With Met reduced to 10 players, it looked like the Archers were out of the game – indeed, Barry did look to capitalise for a few minutes – but within a few minutes, Met were able to stem the nerves and pull together.

The Archers were in control of the game by added time, constantly pushing Barry’s defence to the brink and breaking through.

Crucial games follow for both teams

Cardiff Met travel to Wrexham next week, aiming to keep the scoreline low and push the Dragons, capitalising on their success on the left wing.

Seventh-placed Barry, meanwhile, head to bottom-side Aberystwyth in a winner takes all contest. Barry will be aiming for a first win of the season against a side hurting from a 10:0 loss at home to Cardiff City.