Barry Town United 3, Goytre United 0
Barry Town United are back. They have regained their place in the top flight of Welsh football.
It has been a sensational rise by a club who were taken to the edge of extinction only four years ago and have bounced back with a style which has been staggering.
They clinched promotion from Welsh League Division One thanks to a convincing and emotional win against Goytre United at Jenner Park.
Barry’s players danced on the pitch, celebrated wildly and sprayed champagne in the air.
Secretary Dave Cole, clearly, was welling up. There were tears in his eyes. He’s been with Barry for 28 years and promotion means everything to him.
Coach Mike Cosslett, who has been with the club on and off for 40-plus years, was taking in the atmosphere and said: “Gavin (Chesterfield) told me he would take Barry back to the Welsh Premier. That was some time ago and I laughed at him.
“I couldn’t be happier.”
Manager Chesterfield stayed focused, gathering his players together on the pitch and ensuring they realise there are another two matches to play.
Barry have clinched promotion, but they haven’t made sure of the Division One title yet. The job isn’t finished. Chesterfield wants his team, who have achieved so much, to finish 2016-17 with a flourish.
There are 12 players at Barry who were playing four years ago after the club was sent down to Welsh League Division Three. They have climbed back with a swagger and a playing style that is easy on the eye.
Barry were ahead after 10 minutes when Luke Cooper swivelled and lashed a shot high into the net, while Tyrrell Webbe headed their second goal from Chris Hugh’s corner three minutes later.
Goytre United are a strong team at this level, but they could not cope with a Barry team whose movement, passing and intensity gave them the edge.
Troy Greening went off injured after 19 minutes with Lee Baldock taking over, but that didn’t effect Barry’s momentum.
TJ Nagi was fouled, referee Teifion Cook awarded a penalty and Drew Fahiya smashed his shot home from the spot after 24 minutes.
for Barry. Pic: Same Old Smith.
The match was effectively all over and Barry managed the situation with composure, keeping possession and making sure that goalkeeper Mike Lewis kept another clean sheet.
Supporters had turned out in force, the atmosphere was top notch and the celebrations were wild.
Barry have earned their moment of glory and now they want to add the final touch. They need one more win to be certain of being crowned champions.
They play Cambrian and Clydach away in the Rhondda on Saturday and finish their season against Ton Pentre at home.
No matter what happens now Barry, a club run by their own fans committee, are going to take their place alongside The New Saints, Bangor City, Cardiff Met and Co in the top flight next season.
That in itself is amazing, but Barry’s players and management have a burning desire to go up as champions. One more win will make sure.
Barry Town United: M Lewis, P Morgan, C Hugh, L Cooper, J Saddler (capt), T Webbe, T Greening, TJ Nagi, J Cotterill, D Fahiya. Subs: L Gerrard, C Sainty, L Baldock, R Evans, D Bradley.
Goytre United: L Martin, C Owens, M Waters, T Hicks, S Berry, T Wellington, C Francis, D Blain, M Rose, L John, D Williams. Subs: R Cole, R Ryan, S Jones, J Shannon, J Hubschmid.
Referee: Teifion Cook.
Welsh League Division One
Top five only – all teams play 30 fixtures
Pl GD Pts
1 Barry Town United 28 +44 60
2 Goytre FC 27 +29 52
3 Haverfordwest County 28 +8 51
4 Penybont 26 +22 49
5 Cwmbran Celtic 29 +11 45
