Barry Town kept their unbeaten start intact with a 1-0 victory over Cardiff Met in the Premier League's third round of matches on Saturday. The hosts took all three points despite Cardiff Met controlling more of the ball and launching more attacks. To be fair, it wasn't the most open game you'd see, but the result settled things early on. By then, the visitors had already tasted disappointment.
S. Jones picked up a yellow card at 26 minutes, the first booking of the afternoon. R. Reynolds was brought off at 37, one of the earlier changes. The match stayed quiet until 80 minutes when J. Shaw stepped up for a penalty and missed — a chance gone. And here's the thing, D. Smith got over the line moments later to give Barry Town the lead.
Cardiff Met reacted quickly, bringing on O. Brain and E. Dugan at 67 minutes, then S. Jones and A. Wildig at 81. The visitors turned to the kids in a bid to find an equaliser, but Barry Town weathered the storm. The hosts switched off at the back just enough to keep their shape, even when Cardiff Met pushed forward.
The statistics tell you where the pressure lay, though the result didn't reflect it. Cardiff Met had 55 per cent possession and 93 attacks compared to Barry Town's 75, but the visitors only managed two shots on target. Barry Town, with 45 per cent possession and four shots on target, were more clinical. Many shots with one goal means chances went begging.
The win moves Barry Town up to second place with 18 points from seven games — six wins and a single defeat. Cardiff Met remain seventh on 13 points after four wins, one draw and two losses. It's a result that keeps the hosts in the mix at the top and gives the visitors something to ponder about their finishing.
