Barry Town United 6 Croesyceiliog 0

UNITED'S vice-like grip on the lead of Welsh League Division 2 was maintained with a performance full of quality and polish on Saturday.

With a run of three away games to follow, United left the Jenner Park faithful, not to mention its management, in a fine mood after Croesyceiliog were demolished 6-0.

Croesy had been on a good run but were blown aside in a first half in which Barry were simply rampant. With Rhys James injured, Dale Howarth was the only change from the team which had defeated Ely Rangers four days earlier.

To call the first half one-sided is an understatement. Barry were unstoppable, driven forward by the excellent midfield quartet of Saddler,Baldock, Howarth and Blatchford. Up front TJ Nagi and Jamie Bradford excelled and shared Barry's four first half goals, which went unanswered.

The best of the goals was Barry's third, and Bradford's second which he scored with a vicious drive which left keeper Lee Waddon stranded after the ball struck the underside of the bar before rustling the net. But for Waddon's efforts the deficit at the interval may have been much greater.

The second half followed a very similar pattern with Barry dominating the game and creating numerous chances. Croesyceiliog 's chances were very much limited and Dan Bradley's first save of note didn't come until 10 minutes of the second period had been played.

Indeed the defence in front of the keeper had been superbly marshalled and the back four of Morgan, Frowen, Cosslett and Evans has been in mean mood of late and goals against United, in this form, will be hard earned indeed.

Just after the hour, Howarth, who had been a constant nuisance for the Croesy defence, sped past the helpless Hall only to see his splendid shot cannon off the woodwork. Howarth again went close before Bradford completed a richly deserved hat-trick heading home from close range after good work from Morgan and Nagi.

Barry used their substitutes Hutson and Billing for Howarth and Bradford, before the crowd bore witness to the unusual scene of Billing himself being replaced by Dixon. The big striker pulled up sharply after chasing down a long ball into the corner and was forced to retire to the bench.

A final and sixth goal came Town's way in injury time. As is a feature of the captain's game, James Saddler broke up another potential Croesy attack and his pass found Dixon on the edge of the box.

His attack floundered but the ball was met by Morgan who slipped the ball back to Dixon whose persistence was rewarded with goal number six. A goal which brought a wry smile to the face of former favourite and manager Gavin Price and ex skipper Dan Clare who both watched the game from the stands.

All in all a fine effort by Barry, arguably their most complete of the season and at the right stage of the campaign too. Mr Chesterfield and coaches could reflect on a job well done.

Off the pitch, a race night is being arranged for March 7, venue to be confirmed; long time fan Mal Tapscott has left hospital and will hopefully be back in the stands soon, and the club would like to thank the Colcot Arms for its short term help with the post match catering. Lastly, long-term injury victim Ryan Dorrian hasn't been forgotten but co-opted onto the management team as he awaits a much needed operation.

BARRY : Bradley, Frowen, Morgan, Cosslett, Evans, Saddler,Blatchford,Baldock,Bradford, Nagi & Howarth Subs used: Hutson, Billing, Dixon Unused: Briers & Searle