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Despite the valiant efforts from Lee Lashenko’s players, Bristol Manor Farm were defeated 0-1 by Barry Town United in their second pre-season fixture on Saturday afternoon, writes Jack Davies.
Farm started the lively-encounter on the front foot, and their first chance came within the first few minutes. Superb work from Kyle Tooze created the space for Mike Bryant to unleash a powerful strike, but the midfielders effort sailed high over the crossbar.
Tooze himself then had a go just a minute later, slipping between two challenges before he could too could only fire over.
Barry’s first chance came down their left, Chris Hugh latching on to a long ball and his wonderful cross somehow evaded every visiting player.
Farm’s wide men were causing the Linnets all sorts of problems. First, Marcus Day’s trickery won a set peice that resulted in Bryant heading just over. Bryant’s effort was closely followed by former Barry Town United forward Jamie Bird who’s perfectly timed volley drifted narrowly wide of the far post.
Lewis in the visiting goal then made his first save of note. Day sending defender Curtis Mcdonald for six, but his shot was saved smartly.
Barry Town forward, Nat Jarvis, thought he’d given his side the lead late on in the first half – only to see his tap-in chalked off for offside. Kayne McLaggon beat the offside trap, and his low finish looked to be heading in before striker Nat Jarvis added what the visiting supports thought was the finishing touch.
Farm started the second half in the same vein, and were denied what looked like a stone wall penalty just after the break. A searching cross evaded keeper Lewis who then clattered the onrushing Mike Bryant – but nothing was given.
Barry substitute, Rhys Kavanagh, created their first chance of the second period, carrying the ball fully 30 yards but his low shot bobbled wide.
The ever present Tooze was denied once again. Chasing a long ball through, visiting keeper Lewis quickly came off his line and the collision favoured Barry as a teammate was on hand to clear.
Harry Thomas-Barker had a relatively quiet first hour, but remained razor sharp to deny Kavanagh and Jarvis back to back from close range.
Day was at it again soon after, weaving in out of multiple challenges before his dipping shot from range didn’t dip quite enough.
Tooze almost won it late on, dropping inside superbly leaving Callum Saintly sprawling on the floor but his shot narrowly evaded the far corner.
Barry would complete a smash and grab as the game ticked on, the aforementioned Sainty redeeming himself, tapping home Kavanagh’s cut back.
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