Barry to face in-form rivals Aberdare Town (From Barry And District News)

Barry to face in-form rivals Aberdare Town

10:40am Thursday 21st March 2013 in Sport

BARRY TOWN begin their final ten matches of the MacWhirter Welsh League campaign with a Jenner Park showdown against Aberdare Town on Saturday afternoon (2.30pm kick-off).

The former Football League side from the Cynon Valley come to Barry in excellent form, having won back-toback matches against previous leaders West End, followed by a 3-3 draw at promotion-chasing Haverfordwest County; a match they had led until the final moments.

These results have put Aberdare level with Barry Town on 31 points, leaving Saturday’s match tantalisingly balanced, as both teams attempt to kick-start a late-season challenge at the MacWhirter Welsh League championship.

A mere seven points currently separate the top eight sides, with leaders Taffs Well capitalising on a three-point deduction which saw table-topping Monmouth Town tumble into third.

The Wellmen travel to bottom-placed Caerleon this weekend; the same side that ruefully took a full six points from Barry in the opening weeks of the season.

However, Gavin Chesterfield’s hardworking squad remain in contention on two fronts; their league standing augmented by one of the most remarkable Welsh Cup runs in Barry’s 100 years of football.

On Saturday, Chesterfield stands to make more history; a single point against Aberdare would see him surpass Gary Barnett’s total of 285 points as Barry Town manager.

Presently, only the legendary Basil Bright has amassed more league results in the Jenner Park hotseat and, while standards of play may vary, Chesterfield’s achievement, in the face of overwhelming odds, has to be commended.

Win, lose or draw, history will also be made off the field as the Barry Town Supporters’ Committee (BTSC) invites spectators to pay what they want to watch the match!

This community initiative, in association with sponsors LDS Motor Factors and RIM Motors, is a first for the division and has received widespread support in Welsh football circles as well as across the town.

A highest league crowd of the season is expected; with spectators being able to name their price.

Among those set to feature for Barry are Wales U19 international Nickie Jones, youth cap Geraint Frowen (previously of Everton and Leicester City), former Manchester City, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest forward Ryan Jenkins and ex-Newport County and Merthyr Town playmaker Troy Greening.

Former Cardiff City players Damon Searle and Michael Hartley will also be at manager Gavin Chesterfield’s disposal though full international Atif Bashir (Pakistan) remains unavailable due to injury.

All money raised in the stadium on Saturday will go to nonprofit BTSC.