BARRY Town United hit the road for the first time since October on Saturday, January 23, having hauled themselves right into the Welsh League Division One championship mix.

Avenging their 4-0 defeat at Runtech Stadium from earlier, Gavin Chesterfield’s men were 5-1 winners against Afan Lido at Jenner Park last weekend, in what was another fine afternoon of goalscoring for striker James Dixon.

Contributing a hat-trick to reach the milestone of 60 career goals for his hometown club, Dixon’s treble was highlighted by a thunderbolt that thrilled the home crowd of 222; and bolstered by two successful penalties from defender Bobby Briers.

The eventual 5-1 victory saw Barry climb to third in the table, four points behind leaders Cardiff Met and three adrift of second-placed Goytre, with all three sides having played 17 games.

Saturday sees the Town return to the impressive CCB Centre of Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach for a Welsh League meeting with hosts Aberbargoed Buds.

The Buds, who count former Wales international Darcy Blake among their numbers, share the facility with Risca United; with Barry having already recorded a 1-0 away win over the Cuckoos earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, anticipation is growing for the upcoming JD Welsh Cup Fourth Round tie against holders TNS; to be played at Jenner Park on Saturday, February 6, with a 5.15pm kick-off for live television coverage.

Advance tickets for the tie against the current Welsh Premier League champions are now available online at barry.ticketsource.co.uk, though admission at the turnstiles is expected to be available as per usual on the day.