TREOWEN STARS 0

BARRY TOWN UNITED 5

IN THEIR first Macwhirter Welsh Soccer League match of 2014, Barry Town United ran out comfortable winners at Treowen Stars to ensure they keep pace with Third Division leaders Llanwern.

Despite concerns over the playability of the fixture after a string of postponements in recent weeks, Barry arrived at a Bush Park blessed by sunshine and made the most of their opportunities to race into a 4-0 half-time lead.

A brace from winger Michael Hartley and forward Jordan Cotterill put the Town in firm command heading into the break and, while Treowen created chances in the second half, Barry goalkeeper Dan Bradley would not be denied his ninth clean sheet of the league campaign.

It was left to midfielder Scott Jones to complete proceedings with a delightfully deft chip - his first goal of the season since returning from long-term injury.

The LDS Motor Factors/RIM Motors man of the match was Barry's Ryan Dorrian, who recently returned after a minor car accident ruled him out in December.

Saturday's win kept Gavin Chesterfield's side second in the league on 44 points, one behind Llanwern (who won 3-1 at Newcastle Emlyn), albeit with a game in hand.

As matters stand, the Town have now scored the most goals in the division (53), while having conceded the fewest (11), leaving them with a healthy goal difference of +42.

Next up for Barry is a double-header of home games, with both Rhoose and Treowen set to visit Jenner Park within a four-day period. The match against Rhoose on Saturday is a 2pm kick-off, with the game against Treowen on Tuesday night commencing at 7.45pm.

Entry for each match is £4 (adults), £3 (OAPs/students) and £2 (unaccompanied children) on the gate, with accompanied children admitted free.

Meanwhile, the recently postponed home match against Bridgend Street has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 18 (7.45pm).