BARRY boy James Dixon stole the show on Saturday with a stunning five-goal salvo in Barry Town United's long-awaited return to Jenner Park.

A crowd of 446 turned out for the Welsh Cup Second Round tie with Aberdare Town and were treated to a highly-entertaining affair on the grounds new 3G playing surface.

With the pitch looking resplendent and the stadium bathed in glorious sunshine, supporters of all ages enjoyed what turned into a nine-goal thriller.

However, the tie did not start well for the hosts when Andrew Jenkins opened the scoring for the visitors from the Cynon Valley, beating Barry goalkeeper Joe Massaro with a low drive from distance after both sides had hit the woodwork early on.

Cheered onwards from the stands, Barry were eager to get back on terms and, after several failed attempts, they found a breakthrough when Dixon fired home to delight the home spectators; the forward running to the corner and leaping into the air in celebration.

The pivotal strike then came moments before half-time as Dixon capitalised on an Aberdare mistake to tap in his second and hand Barry a lead they would never look like relinquishing.

The second half saw Gavin Chesterfield's side begin to truly find their feet on the 3G, demonstrating a fine passing game while looking highly-potent in attack.

Keen to make an even bigger impression on this landmark day for the club, Dixon helped himself to a third to secure his homecoming hat-trick and while Aberdare would claw one back (beating Massaro at his near post with a great shot), their afternoon would get little better; while Barry turned on the style.

Finishing his chances with confidence and composure, Dixon quickly rattled in his fourth, before notching a remarkable fifth goal to put Barry 5-2 to the good.

This was a feat unprecedented in Welsh Cup competition across the club's 100 plus year history, with Eifion Williams' five against TNS in 1997 the last time a Barry striker had scored this many times in any one match.

Close to slamming home a sensational sixth, Dixon was later substituted; allowing him to receive the warm applause of the Jenner Park faithful and FAW Player of the Round plaudits.

By the time of Dixon's curtain call, the Town were 6-2 ahead; fellow striker Jordan Cotterill writing his name on the scoresheet for the first time since returning from injury.

It was left then to substitute Michael Hartley to end the day on the highest of highs; the popular winger nodding home to complete an emphatic 7-2 win against the same club that had eliminated Barry from the Welsh Cup last season.

With confidence levels boosted significantly by their Second Round success, the Town will now welcome North Wales outfit Denbigh Town in the Third Road at Jenner Park on Saturday, December 4 at 2pm.

Former Barry manager David Hughes and ex-Cardiff City defender Derek Brazil made the draw on Monday, with the Cymru Alliance club set to provide a stern test after recently beating Welsh Premier League mainstays Airbus UK in another cup tie.

This Saturday, the Town turn their attention to the Welsh League Cup, when Cwmbran Celtic make the trip to Jenner Park.

Kick-off is at the earlier time of 1.30pm with admission only £5 (concessions available) via the Gladstone Road and Barry Road turnstiles.