by Jordan Jones
BARRY Town United returned to winning ways after dispatching JD Cymru Premier strugglers Penybont at Jenner Park.
Goals from Clayton Green, Luke Cummings and Kayne McLaggon gave Gavin Chesterfield’s side their first win in four after losing their last three fixtures.
Luke Borreli missed a penalty in the final quarter to make matters worse for Rhys Griffiths’ men, who will spend another weekend in the drop-zone.
Barry shot up to second from the victory, making the most of Bala and Connah’s Quay Nomads’ preoccupation in the Nathaniel MG Cup.
Both sides failed to muster any clear-cut opportunities in the first half, with Barry enjoying much of the possession.
Youthful defender Evan Press – starting after dropping to the bench against the Cefn Druids last time out – put in a defensive performance beyond his years in an assertive display for Barry.
Deputising captain Green brought the game a much-needed spark with an instinctive finish. Green – rested by his university side for their mid-week BUCS clash – got on the end of McLaggon’s mishit effort and touched home from close range.
After a slow-paced first half, Barry came out of the blocks quickly as they got their second when summer recruit Cummings opened his account for the club.
McLaggon held the ball up and found Eli Phipps, before Cummings finished the move off with a low-drilled effort past the despairing goalkeeper Rhys Wilson.
Adventurous full-back Chris Hugh tried his luck in getting on the scoresheet. First, his trademark run down the flank tested Wilson, as a tight-angled shot drew a save before he went close with another effort sailing just over the crossbar.
Penybont were awarded a chance to test the nerves of Barry as referee Bryn Markham-Jones awarded them a penalty for George Ratcliffe’s trip on substitute Borrelli. But Ratcliffe’s guesswork paid off as he tipped Borrelli’s penalty past the post.
McLaggon – involved in a battle for the golden boot this season – then added his ninth league goal of the campaign to top off the victory, turning the ball in from close-range in the dying minutes.
Christian Edwards’ name was aired by the Barry supporters after the Cardiff Metropolitan boss suffered a suspected heart attack on Thursday.
