ON A Saturday that saw former Barry Town forward Adebayo Akinfenwa on target at Rodney Parade, the World’s Strongest Footballer’s old club showed their own goal scoring prowess in Newport, with a fine 5-1 win across the river at Spytty Park.

By the time of Akinfenwa’s 70th-minute header for AFC Wimbledon in their League Two visit to Newport County, Gavin Chesterfield’s Barry had already secured the points against Llanwern; and with morning leaders Aberbargoed beaten at Chepstow, the afternoon ended with the Town on top of Welsh League Division Two.

As expected, the opening exchanges between the promoted rivals had been evenly-matched; with Barry’s ball retention and neat passages of passing eventually key to unlocking the Llanwern defence in the 30th minute.

Putting the exclamation point on a smart and cohesive team move, James Dixon delivered a slick, right-footed finish from outside the box to give the Town the lead, scoring his 30th for his hometown club in the process.

Llanwern though soon threatened to equalise, with Barry’s Geraint Frowen perfectly-timed intervention saving his side’s scoreline skin.

At the end of the half, the Llanwern goalkeeper was forced to make a dynamic double-save, denying Barry’s Paul Morgan at the near post, after the full-back had attempted to capitalise from a rebound.

However, his afternoon would become even more demanding after the interval, as the home side’s defensive line found it increasingly challenging to handle Dixon and strike partner Troy Greening.

While the duo would mesh effectively up front, combining to create some exciting pieces of attacking football, it would be centre-back Ryan Evans who would double the Town’s advantage; bursting into the Llanwern box and crashing home a header, from an inquisitive corner whipped from the right.

An off-the-ball incident then reduced the Gwent men to ten; though to the credit of their remaining players, Llanwern would soon find themselves back in the match.

After Town goalkeeper Dan Bradley had been penalised for handling a backpass, the hosts were award a direct free-kick from close range and the eventual effort almost broke the Barry net, halving the deficit to 2-1.

However, the introduction of substitute forwards TJ Nagi and Rhys James helped the momentum swing back to Barry; who showed no mercy in sealing a rousing victory.

Capitalising on a fortuitous deflection, Dixon showed good vision to pass across the deck to winger Dale Howarth. Howarth then selflessly set up Nagi to score his first Welsh League goal since returning from injury; on same pitch he had netted Barry’s Goal of the Season for 2011-12.

Chasing an apparent lost cause minutes thereafter, Nagi stooped bravely to head beyond the Llanwern goalkeeper, allowing the likewise-recovered James to stab home Barry’s fourth.

Some brilliant interplay between the pair then set up James to tap home his second and Barry’s fifth; completing the afternoon’s work in style.

With James Saddler and Lee Baldock creating across the pitch and Ryan Dorrian and Bobby Briers locking the home side out, Saturday’s result can be seen as a triumph of tactics for the Barry coaching staff, with the players’ fitness and discipline reaping rich rewards in the final third.

With 16 points from the opening six games, unbeaten Barry now lead the race for promotion to Division One; with one game in hand on second-placed Aberbargoed.

This Saturday sees Gavin Chesterfield’s team return to Welsh Cup action at Aberaman Park (CF44 6HA) against 2014 quarter-finalists Aberdare Town (2pm kick-off), with extra-time and penalties awaiting in the event of a draw.

The club will then hold a Race Night fundraiser at the Wyndham Cons on Harbour Road that evening from 7.30pm. Entry is £3, with players, coaches and officials of the club’s senior, youth and junior sides all set to be in attendance.