St Athan 0-2 Barry Athletic

Reigning champions Barry Athletic opened their title defence with a 2-0 over last season’s runners up and Barry Cup winners St Athan. Colburn and Oaten netting for Athletic as they set down an opening day marker over a lacklustre St Athan side.

Both sides came into the season much changed from last year, with Saints welcoming back James Austin and Jamie Robinson to the club and handing league debuts to Luke Vincent, Jac Wisenden and Coree Roberts.

A tentative opening saw neither side gain control of the game with Athletic seeing an early effort wide.

Both sides probed without creating much and Saints debutant Luke Vincent fired over a free kick before Saints keeper James Andrews was called into action to deny Athletic twice in the best chances of the match so far.

Athletic started the second half a lot better and saw a header cannon back off the upright.

Soon the away side took the lead as their winger danced through the Saints defence and delivered a square ball that was lashed home from eight yards.

Athletic soon doubled their lead as a dubious handball was given in the area and a penalty awarded. The resulting spot kick was converted and Athletic were comfortable.

St Athan had been at a canter and going two goals down and Leigh Lewis’ introduction put some life into the side. Lewis produced two pin point crosses that Saints failed to get anything on.

Athletic looked dangerous on the break as Saints pushed on to get back into the game but couldn’t extend their lead further.

Saints saw Karl Steel have a volley well saved by the Athletic keeper before Lewis fired a free kick over.

Athletic deserved winners being more clinical in front of goal. St Athan travel to Penarth Town on Wednesday and will need to vastly improve on this display.

St Athan: Andrews, Austin, Vincent, Robinson, Sutch, Laing, R.Lewis, Wisenden, Steel, K.Ashton, Roberts. Subs – Garrision, Young, L.Lewis, J.Ashton.

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