Barry back in Bray with Candystripes
AARON BARRY is back in the bosom of his native country and on Friday night, he was back in Co. Wicklow for Derry City’s 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers.
Barry was the Candystripes’ stand-out performer on a forgettable night for Roddy Collins’ men and despite the poor result, Barry enjoyed the match and the challenge of getting to grips with Seagulls striker Ismahil Akinade.
“It was one of them games where we couldn’t really get our passing game going. The pitch, although it was a good surface, it was quite sticky. The ball didn’t move a lot, you had to zip them in and when some of the more creative players were trying to attack it was getting stuck under their feet. But we got out of with a clean sheet, we were a bit fortuitous with the penalty but you take your luck. Bray were quite dangerous with some of the pacier players that they have but I think we defended very well overall and we got out of it with a point.
“Yeah the big man, he was a good challenge. When he sets his body in front of you it’s hard to move him, he’s a big lump. I enjoyed it.”
His close attention to the Nigeria native could well be how Barry ended up with a few bruises on his face but the Arklow native has come to expect such things in his profession.
“I got a few alright! A few on my head but that’s part and parcel of the game when you’re a centre half.”
Bruises are small price to play for experience and that is exactly what Barry is getting at the Brandywell. Happy to play at centre half or left back, the former Sheffield United starlet is hoping that his Derry side can turn a corner now after a difficult start to the season.
“I’ve played in every game bar one and I’m really enjoying it. I came back here to play games and it’s what I’m doing so I am enjoying it so long may it continue.
“I think I’m very comfortable at either. If he wants me to play left back and attack, I’ll attack. If he wants me to play centre half, I’ll do a job there. As long as I’m on the teamsheet I don’t mind.
“If you look at our first six fixtures, it was against what the bookies said were the six best teams in the league bar ourselves and we came out of it with a couple of wins, a couple of losses and a couple of draws. We’re looking to kick on now.”