Villagers vanquished (From Penarth Times)

Villagers vanquished

Dinas Powys 1

Barry Town 8

(Pre-season friendly)

This was a bit of a thrashing for the Villagers last Monday evening at The Murch but it was never going to be easy for them against the full-time professionals, but they never dropped their heads and the match was played in an excellent spirit throughout.

Barry gave a run out in the second half to Darren Gough from Leyton Orient and he showed well. Moralee and Toomey oozed class up front whilst Nicky Burke's second half hat-trick gave Kenny Brown something to think about.

On eight minutes a careless pass by Simon Rayner almost let in Dinas striker Jamie Dix but he pulled his angled shot across the face of the goal.

To be fair to Dinas they were defending their box well and kept things really tight for about 20 minutes. Superb work by Dave Toomey on the left gave Jamie Moralee the opening goal on 23 minutes, to set the ball rolling.

Scott Morgan headed the second after 41 minutes and a sweet Gary Lloyd free kick made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Gough chipped the keeper early in the second half but his shot just grazed the cross bar. Jamie Moralee got his second to make it 4-0 after 51 minutes. Again Toomey was the provider and he was having a really good game.

Gough got the fifth goal after a great lay off by Moralee.

The last three goals all belonged to Nicky Burke. The first of these was thanks to Nathan Cotterill's neat cross, Burke glancing into the corner.

It was 6-1 when local hero Jamie Dix deceived Simon Rayner with a curling shot. Burke headed home for 7-1 on 82 minutes and Gough, under pressure on the right still managed to pick out Burke with a high cross. It was Burke and the keeper rising together, but the Barry striker superbly guided the ball home.

The referee blew up a little early but the damage was done.

To be fair to Dinas they will not meet anyone as powerful as Barry, for the rest of the season and will surely once again be promoted to Division One of the Welsh League under Paul Giles's guidance.

Hednesford 0 Barry Town 1 (Pre-season friendly)

Last Wednesday week's game against the Dr Martens league club resulted in a narrow win for Kenny Brown's men.

Nevertheless they had a bit too much quality for the Midlands based club. Sharing the honours in the first half Nicky Burke and Lee Pratt impressed for Barry.

The second half saw Barry play neat possession football and a goal by Nicky Burke gave Barry the win. A Hednesford die-hard was heard to remark: "They are a class above us."

Nevertheless it was a question of Barry needing to put away their chances to turn possession into goals and emphasise their class!

The beginning of the football season saw Mike Flynn on the bench for Wigan in their 2-6 win at Cheltenham. Eifion Williams played in a 3-1 win for Hartlepool but did not score whilst Terry Evans played for Swansea in a 2-2 draw against Rushden and Diamonds, another ex-Barry man Neil Sharp came on as a second half sub.

This Saturday Barry play away to Caernarfon in the opening game of the season in the League of Wales. The supporters coach leaves at 8am for this, the longest trip of the campaign. Ring Ian Johnson on 734050 if you want to travel.

Competition for places has never been greater than this season and current form will surely be the factor for a shirt against Caernarfon.

Experienced Jamie Moralee, ex- Crystal Palace and Watford striker for all his ability and experience is not guaranteed a place on Saturday. It could be difficult for Kenny Brown to leave out his top scorer though, with 60 goals in his two seasons at Barry. Moralee is an extremely skilful player with a great early touch but does not always find someone to read his quickness of thought. He is a proven goalscorer and surely must carry the number nine shirt on Saturday.

Gary Lloyd for eight seasons an automatic choice on the left-hand side is also being challenged. Lloyd a Welsh 'B' international is one of the best players in the League of Wales and is still easily capable of playing at a higher level. Lloyd will be well aware that he must be on his best form to collect the number three shirt.

Simon Rayner will play in goal and Scott Morgan, Lee Jarman and Lee Phillips will contest the central defensive positions. Whether Kenny Brown and his assistant Andrew York will play will depend on how they feel.

Midfield will be contested by Richard Kennedy, Jon French, Jamie Jenkins, Tom Ramasut and Nathan Cotterill with Lee Pratt an option in midfield or defence.

Up front it's any two from Jamie Moralee, Nick Burke and Dave Toomey. If Kenny decides on a wing back system then the team could be: Simon Rayner, Lee Phillips, Lee Jarman, Andy York, Scott Morgan, Gary Lloyd, Jon French, Richard Kennedy, Lee Pratt, Jamie Moralee, Nicky Burke or Dave Toomey.