FOLLOWING an excellent start to the league season for Barry Town United Ladies, attention turned to the FAW Cup on Sunday where they faced Penybont FC in the first round at Jenner Park Stadium.

This was billed to be a tight encounter after both teams competed in last season’s South Wales FA Cup final with Barry just coming out on top with a 2-1 victory in extra-time.

The home side made two changes following last weekend’s league win at Dafen with Laura Saliba returning to the starting line-up and Chelsea Deacon back from U19 International Duty.

Barry started the match on the front foot and Sian Rees went close with an early shot that flashed just wide of the far post.

However, it took the hosts just 8 minutes to get on the score sheet with a well-crafted goal.

Some neat build up play and a through ball found Deacon who raced behind Penybont’s defensive line and calmly placed the ball past goalkeeper Gemma Harris to give Barry the perfect start.

Penybont caused moments of panic in the Barry defence on the counter attack and missed a great chance to equalise when put through on goal, but goalkeeper Erin Brennan was on hand to make a fine save with her feet to keep Barry’s lead intact.

The home side were in control of possession for long periods and wing backs Olivia Townsend and Saliba were providing lots of endeavour in wide areas against a compact defensive unit.

Ellen Phillips tested the keeper with a long range effort which was well saved but Phillips was to score her third of the season just before the half hour mark when she headed in a corner delivered by captain, Charlotte Preen.

Barry continued to probe at the visitors' goal but the score-line remained 2-0 at half-time.

The second half saw a similar pattern with Barry having the majority of possession but to their credit, Penybont dug deep and looked to hit Barry on the counter in transition but struggled to create clear cut chances.

Rees had another attempt from 20 yards that was tipped over the bar by Harris before her match was ended having taken a slight knock.

Tracey White, Daisy Evan-Watkins and Taylor page came on during the second period replacing Rees, Saliba and Emma Cannon as they game petered out with Barry in a comfortable position.

The visitors did however get a late chance to grab a consolation goal but again Brennan made a fine save with her feet which saw Barry finish up with a 2-0 win and they progress into Round 2 of the cup.

After the game, manager Luke Williams said: “Naturally we are delighted to be in the next round of the FAW Cup.

"We put in a good performance today and it was also pleasing to keep a clean sheet.

"Credit to Penybont, they never gave up and played to the final whistle and the pleasing thing was that we were ball dominant for the majority of the game and fully deserved to get the win.

"We have things to work on as ever but we are making good progress.”

Barry return to the Welsh Women’s League next weekend where they will take on Splott Albion at Jenner Park Stadium, 2pm kick off where they will be looking to maintain their great start to the season with four wins from four matches.