Vardar hold off Barry challenge

News.ssport.net (Jul 23, 2003) - Macedonian champions FK Vardar progressed to the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round despite a 2-1 defeat in Wales at the hands of Barry Town AFC.

Vardar led 3-0 from last week's first leg but Barry showed they still intended to make their visitors work when they scored the night's first goal after just 46 seconds when captain Lee Jarman headed in Tom Ramasut's corner. However, Vardar held firm for the rest of the first half to remain two goals in front on aggregate.

Barry, who were only able to play the match at their Jenner Park stadium after paying a rent demand from their local council earlier this week, continued to press for a second goal but saw their hopes fade when Vardar secured a vital away goal on 61 minutes when Brazilian substitute Rogerio Da Costa pounced on a loose ball.

Home striker Jamie Moralee put Barry back ahead on the night within two minutes but Vardar remained defensively solid and Barry were unable to score any of the three goals they still needed to secure progress. Vardar will play PFC CSKA Moskva in the next round, with the first leg in Russia next Wednesday.