Barry beat Haverfordwest in five-goal thriller

Tuesday, 23 September 2025 22:59

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

FAW

Barry Town United are up to fifth in the Cymru Premier after a dramatic 3-2 win at struggling Haverfordwest County.

Ben Margetson's goal in the 89th minute sealed all three points for Steve Jenkins' side, who had already gone ahead twice at Bridge Meadow, only to be pegged back by the Bluebirds.

A Tuesday night trip to West Wales marked the return of Callum Sainty as captain - one of three changes from the weekend stalemate at Flint, which saw Joe Thomas step in for George Ratcliffe in goal, while Morgan Wigley was given the nod over Keston Davies.

Back in front of the Sgorio cameras, a somewhat cagey first half saw Ollie Hulbert's cross find Mikey George at the back post, but his point blank header was blocked by home keeper Ifan Knott, who went onto make a fine save to deny Wigley on target, following some good build-up play.

Haverfordwest, who had lost their last three league outings, went close when Dan Hawkins floated the ball into the area, only for Corey Shepherd's left foot to misfire the follow-up wide of the right post.

Barely a minute later, Thomas was on hand to palm away Shepherd's effort from the edge of the box with Hawkins clearing the crossbar from the rebound.

If the first half lacked a little on quality, the second would certainly make up for it - starting just two minutes in, when a teasing Ellis Williams from the left flank found Ryan Kavanagh, whose header sailed into the top left corner beyond Knott's reach.

But Haverfordwest were back level on the hour after Thomas had kept out Greg Walters' shot from range, only for the rebound to be nodded in by former Barry defender Rhys Abbruzzese.

Then on 71 minutes, a Robbie Willmott corner was glanced into the net with sub Ieuan Owen with his first touch of the game to restore the lead.

Ollie Hulbert quickly went in search of Barry's third - starting with a 25 yard screamer which produced a superb save from Knott, who went to deny the striker's acrobatic effort from the following corner.

The hosts restored parity again in the 80th minute - Corey Shepherd was found crouched down in the area by Dan Hawkins, whose cross was nodded past Thomas as the game entered its last frantic phase.

Ieuan Owen was again denied by Knott after being put through on goal, before in the 89th minute, a powerful cross from Willmott was headed in at close range by Margetson to wrap up victory.

Barry return to the top half of the table with a two point cushion over both Colwyn Bay and their next opponents - Connah's Quay Nomads - who visit Jenner Park on Saturday following a 2-1 defeat at home to pacesetters Caernarfon.

The New Saints stay top on goal difference after beating Flint Town United 4-2 while Llanelli finally have their first league win at the 9th attempt - Lee John's Reds fought back to beat Briton Ferry Llansawel 2-1, although they remain at the foot of the table.

Penybont stay in third place following their 4-0 victory at Cardiff Met - now the only team yet to win in the league this season - while Bala won 1-0 at Colwyn Bay.

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