Barry Town Vets Over 60s stayed top of the Wales Veterans Over 60s league when they recorded their second 3-0 win in succession, comfortably defeating Merthyr Tydfil at Ystrad Mynach Centre for Sport on Sunday 27th January.

Barry completely dominated the first half, Huish and Price taking immediate control in the middle of the park and wide-men Staddon and Crothers charging down the flanks. Merthyr were put under intense pressure until, inevitably, AAA+ Bobbett, remarkably playing his second full match of the day, slotted home from close-in. Barry continued to pepper the visitors goal – Huish hit the post, Price went close and Bobbett along with his striking partner Morgan, having his best game in the yellow & blue, were denied only by the alert Merthyr gloveman.

However, it was only a matter of time until Barry extended their lead – courtesy of a fine right footed strike by Staddon. He repeated the feat minutes later, again, with the same ‘standing’ leg to take his team 3-0 up at the break. 

During the interval the tireless Morgan was replaced by 70 year old Town legend Batt, whilst Taylor was replaced by Eveleigh, who slotted into defence alongside Brown. Barry were more disordered in the second period, so although they still created opportunities to extend their lead, they also allowed Merthyr to attack on the break. However the visitors found Brown in imperious form and when Barry keeper Orpin was finally called into action he was up to the task, safely smothering a goal-bound effort and ensuring his team maintained their three goal buffer until the final whistle.

Earlier in the day the Over 50s travelled to Bridgend to face a high-flying Penybont team and came away with an excellent three points. Barry stuck to the back three formation which proved the turning point in their previous match with Sims, Averies and Murray (playing in-front of keeper Harding), given the tough task of keeping Penybont’s habitual handful Lewis quiet for 80 minutes!

This formation however, also allowed the midfield of Dupuy, Liligreen, Taylor, Sullivan and, orchestrator James, to dictate proceedings, enabling strikers Fredriksen and Bobbett to torment their adversaries and subsequently take a two goal lead into half time, courtesy of a crisp finish from Taylor and a pile-driver from the excellent Liligreen. 

During the break, stand-in managers Averies and Marshall called for much of the same in the second period, albeit this was under threat when Penybont pulled a goal back after a controversial penalty decision. Thankfully any nerves were immediately removed when Bobbett restored the two goal buffer with his usual dexterity. In a resolute team performance even the customary injuries did not impact unduly. Marshall entered to provide much needed calmness and Harding was colossal between the sticks, making one brilliant save to deny the home side a share of the spoils.

This Sunday Barry Town Over 55s travel to Swansea in the knowledge that a draw against their main rivals would be sufficient to see them advance to the semi-final of the Wales Veterans Over 55s Cup. 

2019/20 Barry Town Vets fixtures and results

Sept 8   Penybont 2 -3 BARRY 55s

Sept 15 BARRY 50s 1-0 Cardiff Accies

Sept 22 BARRY 55s 4-0 Merthyr

Oct 6     Newport 2-6 BARRY 55s

Oct 20   BARRY 50s 1-2 Continental

Oct 20   BARRY 60s 0-0 Swansea

Oct 27   BARRY 55s 8-1 Llantrisant

Nov 3    Merthyr 4-1 BARRY 50s

Nov 10  Swansea 3-1 BARRY 55s

Nov 24  BARRY 55s 3-0 Penybont       

Dec 1    Swansea 3-7 BARRY 50s

Dec 8    Barry 55s 4-0 Merthyr (CUP)

Dec 15  BARRY 50s 0-1 Nelson

Dec 15  BARRY 60s 3-0 Newport

Jan 5     Merthyr 1-9 BARRY 55s

Jan 12 BARRY 50s 5-3 Cwmbran Celtic (CUP)

Jan 26   Penybont 2-3 BARRY 50s

Jan 26 BARRY 60s 3-0 Merthyr Tydfil

Feb 2     Swansea vs BARRY 55s / Llandarcy Sports / 2pm (CUP)

Feb 9     BARRY 50s vs Llantrisant / TBC / TBC

Feb 16  BARRY 55s vs Newport / TBC / TBC

Feb 23  BARRY 50s vs Mathern / TBC / TBC     

Feb 23  Penybont vs BARRY 60s / Ystrad Mynach Centre / 4.30pm                 

March 8 Llantrisant vs BARRY 60s / TBC / 4.30pm

Mar 15  Llantrisant vs BARRY 55s / Tonyrefail Welfare ground / 2pm    

Mar 29  Newport vs BARRY 50s / LLanwern Sports / 2pm 

Apr 5     BARRY 55s vs Swansea / TBC / TBC

Apr 19   Cwmbran vs BARRY 50s / Celtic Park, Cwmbran / TBC