Late Barry Town comeback ensures third Adran Premier win of the season

Barry Town picked up their third Adran Premier win of their season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Aberystwyth Town.

Libby Isaac had given Aber the lead against the run of play in the first half, but late goals from Keira Harris and Jasmine Turner ensured it was Barry who picked up all three points.

The win keeps Barry seventh and Aberystwyth sixth, but both sides are now level on points.

Barry manager James Fishlock made just the one change from their Adran Trophy victory over Cascade last week. Defender Angharad Beman was replaced by Evelyn Ingram, who was making her first league start for the club.

Aberystwyth Town boss Rhys Jon made four alterations from their cup win over Felinheli. Elan Jones, Sian Evans, Modlen Gwynne and Lalita Egan all came in for Imi Scourfield, Shauna Chambers, Dani Mawle and Branwen Orchard.

From the off Barry looked to assert their dominance, and almost took the lead after three minutes. Jasmine Turner thought she had given the Linnets the lead when her shot from distance clipped off the underside of the crossbar, but the officials ruled that the ball had not crossed the line.

With their confidence raised, Fishlock’s side began to attack the Aber goal at will. However, everything they tried was met by Aber keeper Sophie Steele. Keira Harris’ shot was held by the Aber number one, before she made a trio fine saves to deny Beca Thomas on three separate occasions. There was seemingly no way through for Barry.

How the Seasiders would capitalise on Steele’s excellent form, as they took the lead against the run of play with eight minutes of the half remaining. Rebecca Mathias’ free kick found its way to Libby Isaac, who prodded home inside the six-yard box to score her first goal of the season.

Aber could have headed into the half further ahead after they were awarded an indirect free kick inside the box, but Isaac’s powerful strike was blocked well by the defence as the visitors went into the break with a surprise lead.

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Much of the second half followed one narrative: Barry trying to score and Aber defending their lead well. On a number of occasions Barry got into promising positions in the final third, but they were let down by loose passes, poor touches or abject finishing. The Jenner Park crowd were growing restless as the clock ticked down.

But with 15 minutes to go, they found their equaliser. Shanahan’s inviting cross into the area was met by Harris, who swept the ball home past the onrushing Steele. Suddenly, there was an urgency in the Barry ranks to try and complete the turnaround.

Both Amelia Herbert and Chelsea Cochrane had shots from distance, but neither could find a way past Steele. The Aber defence looked resolute for so long, but with five minutes remaining, they cracked once more. Shanahan’s mishit shot found Turner, who was lurking at the back of the six-yard box, and she slammed the ball home to give the Linnets the lead.

With the game seconds away from ending, Aber produced one final opportunity. Egan broke through Barry’s defensive line, but her shot, eventually, was gathered by Molly Arnesen, as Barry claimed all three points.

Both sides will be in Bute Energy Welsh Cup action next weekend. Barry will travel to Adran South side Penybont, while Aberystwyth welcome Swansea City to Park Avenue.

Player of the Match: Sienna Stone

There were so many on both teams who stood out, but Stone impressed me today. She started out in midfield before playing out wide in the second half. The tenacity and determination she showed was exemplary and a real driving force behind Barry’s turnaround.

Barry Town

Molly Arnesen, Evelyn Ingram, Keira Harris, Jasmine Turner, Emily Freeman ©, Sienna Stone, Beca Thomas (Chelsea Cochrane 46’), India Shanahan, Amelia Herbert, Lucy Attwood, Ellie Gunney

Unused subs: Emily Blunt, Ava Coomer, Millie Breen

Goals: Keira Harris (75’), Jasmine Turner (85’)

Aberystwyth Town

Sophie Steele, Elan Jones, Rebecca Mathias, Sian Evans, Libby Isaac, Alaw Davies (Paige Harver 86’), Ffiona Evans (Dani Mawle 86’), Modlen Gwynne, Lalita Egan, Amy Jenkins © (Jess Baker 61’), Sioned Kersey (Ella Thomas 73’)

Goals: Libby Isaac (37’)

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)