NEWTOWN 0, Barry Town 1

WHEN KENNY Brown entered the arena late in the second half, he was given a hero's welcome by the Barry faithful.

The fans sang and cheered and must have made the Barry Town manager a very proud man.

Receiving the plaudits was just reward for the former West Ham player. Taking the reins after Peter Nicholas's sudden departure, Kenny has moulded his players into a championship winning side after an indifferent start to the season.

He took his side steadily up the table and once they reached the top they never faltered. The first 17 games of the season produced 32 points as Kenny fought to sort out the problems. Heart to heart talks when the players' professionalism was questioned saw a dramatic upturn in results.

Kenny Brown, it has to be said, has done a fantastic job, and the proof is a staggering 45 points from the final 17 games which saw them win the title by 7 points from late challengers TNS.

Kenny has produced a level of consistency which was evident right up to the final league game. The players displayed panache and flair and were obviously enjoying the game.

The pitch, softened by the rain, made a good playing surface and Barry made the most of it.

Playing the ball around with confidence, Newtown, with stalwarts Colin Reynolds and Timmy Edwards in defence, had to defend in numbers to contain the flow of yellow shirts.

Quicker to the ball, front runners Nicky Burke and Jon French were a lively pair with French playing more like the player everybody knows he can be. His performances have blossomed as Barry's overall form has improved.

Tom Ramasut was first to get a strike on goal, his shot being deflected for a corner. Nicky Burke, tussling with Tim Edwards, won the ball in the box but his on-target shot was well kept out by the keeper.

Jon French fired just over after he had linked well with Lee Jarman, whilst at the other end Justin Wickham hit a shot across the face of the goal after Newtown's best move of the half.

Barry were denied a penalty when French seemed to be baulked by the keeper after he headed on a Lloyd cross and tripped in the box as he attempted to slot the ball home.

Lee Pratt replaced Gary Lloyd early in the second half. He immediately created problems as he chased everything down the left. On 57 minutes he beat two men and crossed to Nicky Burke who headed home the winner.

Jamie Moralee came on to rapturous applause to replace Jon French and he soon created a great chance which Burke hit just wide.

Newtown were denied an equaliser when Simon Rayner superbly saved Colin Reynolds's header from a deep free kick. Nicky Burke almost got a second with a back header but the keeper reacted smartly to make the save.

After 90 minutes of entertaining football, Barry gathered the trophy for the league title to rapturous applause and were warmly acclaimed by all the Newtown players, supporters and officials.

At the start of the game the Newtown players sportingly formed an arch to welcome the Barry team out on to the pitch. It was a superb day out for everyone.

The game was played in a great spirit and the atmosphere was extremely warm and friendly. It capped a great season in the league for all at Barry Town.