Swansea City 1-0 Barry Town

Following last weekend's postponed fixture, our Women's team travelled on the road for successive weekends with an away trip to face reigning league champions, Swansea City played at Llandarcy.

Barry went into this fixture following an opening day win away at The New Saints on 4th September, knowing they would have to be at their very best in order contain a team who have dominated the welsh pyramid in recent seasons.

The visitors named an unchanged line-up for this fixture and it was clear to see Barry's game plan in the opening stages to frustrate the Swans and deny space through the middle of the pitch.

As expected the home side dominated possession for large spells but Barry defended resolutely throughout this fixture. Swansea took the lead on 16 minutes when a through ball found Monet Legall who was adjudged to have been brought down by Barry goalkeeper, Erin Brennan, and a penalty was awarded by the referee. Striker, Stacey John Davies stepped up confidently and scored from the spot to give the home side an early advantage.

To their credit, Barry didn't let their heads drop, and looked dangrous themselves on the counter-attack with wingers Taite Trivett and Emily Nicholson looking to run at the Swansea backline. The Swans went close to doubling their lead through Jess Williams who fired over and John-Davies rounded Brennan but her attempt went inches wide of the far post. Barry were defending bravely and went into the break with a single goal deficit.

The second half followed a similar theme with the home side as expected, having the majority of possession but Barry were showing great character, closing down space in both midfield and defensive areas, limiting the Swans opportunities in front of goal. John-Davies fired a shot wide and a Williams header went wide from a set-piece.

Both teams made a number of substitutions as the half proceeded, in particular, Nia Davies making her competitive debut for Barry with 25 minutes to go. As the game entered the final stages, Barry pressed for an equaliser and forced a number of set pieces which the home side defended well.

The final score ended 1-0 to Swansea which was deserved, but Barry will be delighted with their performance to restrict the league champions to few chances in front of goal. The Linnets will now hit the road for a third successive away fixture next weekend where they travel to take on Abergavenny Town.