WELSH League Division Two leaders Barry Town United entertained Aberbargoed Buds who held second spot going into last Saturday's fixture.

For once the torrential rain of late relented and a reasonable crowd attended the fixture, the alternative attraction of Wales playing South Africa being shown on TV put a dent in the gate.

A tough game was expected and that's exactly what the spectators got. In easily the best game at Jenner Park this season, both teams slogged out a gutsy and skilful affair, which Barry edged 2-1.

One interested spectator was former Barry and Buds manager, John Lewis, who was at the helm at Jenner Park during the 1994-95 season. Indeed, one of his first signings, Adrian Needs, is the current Buds boss and he should feel very pleased at the progress his talented youngsters are making.

The scoreline flattered the visitors a little, but the fact they managed to keep the difference to a goal was a testament to their tenacious approach.

Both sides had an equal determination to win the game, and fortunately Barry's extra class told. A huge cheer greeted the final whistle and manager Gavin Chesterfield punched the air in delight when the whistle sounded.

Returning to the Barry line-up was Jamie Bradford who slotted into midfield as skipper James Saddler was away on international Futsal duty for Wales. Bradford, who had earlier this season played his part in knocking Barry out of the Welsh Cup, had rejoined from Aberdare, and played his role in the win. He will prove to be a very shrewd acquisition as the season unfolds.

The Buds enjoyed the first chance of note, and while testing Town goalkeeper Dan Bradley with a long-range free-kick, it was leaders Barry who impressed.

Goalkeeper David Burnett was forced to make a string of outstanding saves; denying Barry front pairing TJ Nagi and James Dixon with a terrific double stop, before the subsequent corner saw a defender head clear off the line.

The save of the match came when Lee Baldock's perfectly hit first time volley from twenty yards out was brilliantly saved. For a big lad, keeper Burnett showed a rapid turn of speed from his line and stunning agility.

Town would need something special to break the stalemate, especially with Buds looking threatening on the break and from set pieces. That piece of magic duly came in the 44th minute when Town goal hero TJ Nagi on the right of the area, outfoxed a defender and then curled the ball across the despairing dive of Burnett into the net to give Town the lead at the interval.

Barry continued to look the more likely to score but after a long ball caused chaos between Bobby Briers and Dan Bradley who slipped at a critical moment, two Buds forwards pounced on the loose ball. There were vain cries of "offside" from the stands against the scorer Tom McCarthy who gleefully tapped home the equaliser.

The game really swung into high gear and Barry's winner came after 75 minutes when James Dixon battled past a Buds defender, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home, the goal greeted by a huge cheer from the Barry faithful.

Chances continued as Buds tried desperately to level the score, but their cause was undone when their youngest player was harshly dismissed for a second bookable offence. Rhys James came on for Dale Howarth as Barry wound down the clock to hold onto the win and three points

The win moves still unbeaten Barry six points clear of Aberbargoed with a game in hand, as Caldicot moved into second spot.

This Saturday sees Gavin Chesterfield's squad make the short journey to Dinas Powys (2pm kick-off) and the remaining home games before the end of the year are against in-form West End on December 13 and Tata Steel on the 27th. Sandwiched in between is a derby match at Ely Rangers on the 20th

Barry: Dan Bradley, Paul Morgan, Ryan Evans, Lewis Cosslett, Bobby Briers, Lee Baldock, Troy Greening, Jamie Bradford, TJ Nagi, James Dixon, Dale Howarth (Rhys James).

Tickets for the club's Christmas Prize Draw also went on sale on Saturday and are now available from the senior, youth and junior squads and from LDS Motor Factors on Cardiff Road.

More than 30 prizes will be up for grabs, including a 50-inch TV, tickets to a match at the Emirates Stadium, a VIP chauffeur experience and more.

The draw will take place at Jenner Park following Barry's home match on Saturday, December 27, with further information on the club's website

at www.barrytownunited.com