Barry looking to bounce back against champions
IT’S third against second in the Cymru Premier League’s game of the weekend tomorrow as Barry Town entertain Connah’s Quay Nomads at Jenner Park (5.15pm, live on S4C).
Barry’s seven-match unbeaten run came to an end on Wednesday at Bala when they succumbed to a Chris Venables hat-trick and a Will Evans goal that saw the home team ease to a 4-0 victory.
Champions Connah’s Quay were unlucky in midweek after they were defeated by The New Saints 1-0.
Andy Morrison’s team dominated proceedings, but couldn’t break down a defence which hasn’t conceded in the seven league games played so far this season.
Morrison was obviously disappointed in his after-match interview and pointed out how much his team had given in energy terms. He hoped it wouldn’t affect their efforts for tomorrow’s visit to Barry, which showed how much of a big game he regards the encounter to be.
Barry boss Gavin Chesterfield may have to shuffle his pack as a few of his main starting XI could be ruled out with injury.
Top scorer Kayne McLaggon came off in the first half at Bala and looks to be a major doubt, but goalkeeper Mike Lewis could make his 250th start in the Cymru Premier.
After the end of their six-game purple patch, Chesterfield’s team may be happy to settle for a point tomorrow, to end a tough week of fixtures.
Penybont were soundly defeated 4-0 by The New Saints last weekend, but also suffered two red cards which could influence how they get on tomorrow as they travel to bottom side Cefn Druids.
Influential midfielder Nathan Wood and striker Kostya Georgievsky will be missing for Rhys Griffiths’ team on their visit to Wrexham.
The Druids earned their first win of the season last weekend at Caernarfon and will look to climb away from the bottom with a home victory.
Sam Snaith or Ben Ahmun will start up front to replace Georgievsky and Griffiths will be hoping that exMerthyr midfielder Ashley Evans returns to fitness to bolster his midfield. After a bright start to their Cymru Premier campaign this season, Griffiths might have to settle for a point at the Rock tomorrow to keep his team in the top-half of the table.
Cardiff Met have a massive game tomorrow at Cyncoed where they host Flint Town United, who are third from bottom in the table, just one point ahead of the students.
With a few more of the regular starters back in their ranks, the Met put up a marvellous performance last Saturday but were eventually undone 2-1 in the last minute at Connah’s Quay.
Manager Christian Edwards will look to take the positives from last week and will know the importance of a three-point haul against Flint, who they will be playing for the first time at this level.
Flint started the season well, but haven’t recovered their confidence since being demolished by TNS 10-0 three weeks ago.
Fit-again Dylan Rees and club captain Bradley Woolridge could make the difference for the Met in defence to help them secure a home win over the North Walians.