BARRY TOWN UNITED 6

NEWCASTLE EMLYN 1

BARRY Town United produced a powerful second-half display to see off Newcastle Emlyn in midweek, but could not repeat the feat on the weekend against a dogged Cwmmaman United.

In the first fixture, Gavin Chesterfield's side found themselves a goal up by the quarter-hour mark, with Ryan Evans continuing his run of good form to convert James Dixon's short cross.

Although the Carmarthenshire side hit back with a terrific free-kick minutes later, the Town's attacking play reaped the rewards after the break as the visitors were hit for six.

First James Dixon restored Barry's lead with an emphatic right-footed strike and then Jordan Cotterill doubled their advantage with a dynamic curler into the bottom corner. Cotterill soon made it a brace,before full-back Paul Morgan netted his first of the season, becoming the Town's 16th goalscorer of the 2013-14 campaign.

The icing on the cake came in the closing minutes as a Ryan Jenkins tap-in ensured a 6-1 win and a welcome boost to the side's goal difference, with the battle at the top growing ever-tighter.

BARRY TOWN UNITED 2

CWMAMMAN UNITED 3

With a number of games in hand on the top three, Cwmamman came to Jenner Park on Saturday in search of a win to keep their own promotion aspirations alive.

Starting well, Barry again struck the first blow as the prolific Cotterill bagged his 27th goal of the season to provide a 12th minute lead.

However, the visitors did well to stay in the match and were level when a low effort spilled through the hands of Town goalkeeper Dan Bradley.

Barry began the second half in the strongest possible fashion, scoring from their first attack as Dixon tapped home after a fine solo run.

Cwmamman, though, were back on terms almost immediately, knocking the stuffing out of a Barry side who, ultimately ,failed to recover.

The match was settled by another free-kick soon afterwards and, while Barry had ample time to pull out an equaliser, Chesterfield's men were continually frustrated as the 90 minutes played out.

As third-placed Risca and leaders Llanwern were involved in 2-2 draw, this first league defeat of the season at Jenner Park can be seen as a missed opportunity.

Nevertheless, Barry's position at press time, three points adrift of Llanwern with two games in hand, remains a healthy one as the season enters its final five-match furlong.

This Saturday the Town make the short journey to the Cardiff International Sports Stadium (opposite the CCS), where they tackle Grange Quins in a 2.30pm kick-off.