Jack Davies reports on Manor Farm’s come-from-behind victory over Barry Town to end a promising pre-season.
Farm carried a promising week into this one but knew this would be the toughest test of the summer. Evander Grubb, excellent since his return, was involved in the first flash point as he was denied what looked like a very good penalty shout early on. Barry also created early chances in a very even opening exchange, forcing Seth Locke into a superb point-blank save. Jayden Nielsen looked lively as always for Farm as they probed for the lead. He collected a long ball, left a defender for dead before seeing his low effort saved. The visitors would take the lead a couple of minutes before the break. Full back Mike George did well down the right and his low cross was converted by Jordan Cotterill.
A few minutes into the second half, Farm came out with renewed vigour and were level. Nielsen’s quick feet earned him a penalty and striker Ben Bament got his 7th of the summer to make it 1-1. Grubb was running the show once more as the first hour ticked by. He drove a shot just over before seeing another drop narrowly wide at the back post. Skipper Jamie Adams got his first goal since his return on Thursday night and almost turned provider here. His ball to Aron Robbins was perfect but the left back’s volley was blocked on its way to goal. Robbins would not be denied though as he completed the turnaround with five minutes left. Substitute Luca Ponsillo did extremely well to flick a ball through and that man Robbins acrobatically volleyed in the winner.