Murray scores and saves in Welsh Cup thriller

BTU Women

Barry Town United battled their way through to the quarter finals of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup by beating Caldicot Town on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Erin Murray turned in a star performance for the Linnets, scoring a goal, and then, taking over in goal after keeper Molly Arnesen was sent off.

The Barry forward, who scored a brace against Flint in the Adran Trophy last week, put the visitors ahead after seven minutes, slotting home from Amy Long's cross.

But that was just the start of an eventful afternoon for Stevie McCarthy Campbell's side, who were forced into making an early substitution with Lauren Harris replacing Grace Corne.

Caldicot, who thrashed Cardiff Wanderers 12-1 in the first round, then drew level through Rianne Jones on 22 minutes, before Barry had a goal ruled offside shortly afterwards.

Carys Bufton struck the crossbar with keeper Abigail Footner denying Ellie Preece from the rebound, but on the stroke of half time, a defensive mix-up from Abigail Payne's free kick allowed Caldicot to edge ahead via Millie Pearce.

With a potential upset on the horizon, Arnesen's red card for a handball outside the area couldn't have come at a worse time - just two minutes after the break.

Yet with Murray taking her place between the sticks - and making a few crucial saves to deny a third for Caldicot, Barry managed to regain the momentum.

Bufton again struck wide twice, before on 68 minutes, Amy Long's setpiece rebounded off the bar and into the path of newly introduced sub Keira Harris, whose first touch of the ball beat Footner to equalise.

Barry pressed hard for a winner with Jasmine Turner denied in stoppage time, before attention turned to the shoot out, which saw Murray save two of Calidcot's spot kicks but miss her own attempt.

Ellie Gunney struck the winner to claim a 4-2 victory after a memorable afternoon for Murray, who tweeted post-match: "I've waited for this day".

Barry will learn their quarter final opponents in the draw on Wednesday night at 8pm via the FAW's RedWall Plus channel.

The Adran Premier campaign resumes next Sunday when six-time league champions Swansea City visit Jenner Park (2.30pm ko)

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