BARKER BRILLIANCE BOOKS BERTH

One tie remained outstanding in the NWCFA JUNIOR CUP TIE with Menai Bridge Tigers and Caernarfon Boro’ still looking for that final slot in the quarter-final draw. The tie had been abandoned with the Tigers’ dominating play and also holding a 1 v 0 lead.

In a much tighter game with Boro’ stalwart Martin Bohana keeping a tight hold on top scorer Lance Williams, and marshalling his defence admirably and their eager strikers always looking to break, the hosts needed inspiration from elsewhere in the team.

It came from young striker-turned provider, Andrew Barker who dropped deep, almost to the left back position to collect the ball and despatch an inviting pass down the flank for Lewis Hughes to run on to and drive the ball past the stunned keeper [37] The goal had been needed as minutes earlier home keeper Deion Lewis made a vital save in a one on one situation that could have seen Boro take the lead instead. Despite the set- back the cofi's continued to press forward in search of an equalizer and Jason Steele sent a stunning shot inches over and the home defence had to show resolve to hold their advantage at half-time.

The second half proved to be equally heavy going and chances were at a premium for both sides, but just over the hour mark the Tigers got a much needed second and it was Andrew Barker again doing the damage, this time reverting to his natural role as scorer. Lance Williams had held the ball up, drawing two defenders to him, before slipping the ball to Andrew Barker who showed his ability and speed of thought, by leaving two defenders for `dead’ before unleashing a left foot drive that had the keeper beaten all ends up [65]

Now Boro’ had to throw caution to the wind and risk being caught by the pace of Barker and his strike partners. That proved to be the case when, with five minutes remaining, Andrew Barker notched his second to round off an excellent individual performance that rightfully earned him Man of ther Match. This time Lewis Hughes returned the compliment by setting Barker free to run on and strike a right foot shot low into the far corner[85] and secure the last quarter-final place spot and join Pentraeth and Holders Morawelon.

PICTURE:
Andrew Barker, surrounded by five defenders and the ball at his feet still manages to break free to score.
After scoring two goals, and making the third in the 3-0 victory he was rightfully acclaimed as Man of the Match.