BARRY Town United recorded a third successive JD Welsh Premier League win on Boxing Day, beating Cardiff Metropolitan University 1-0 to move into the top half of the table for the first time this season.

Luke Cooper’s first-half goal was all that separated the two sides at Jenner Park, as Barry moved 12 points clear of the drop zone and into realistic contention to battle for next season’s European spots.

Barry’s first top-flight clash against the university side started brightly for the hosts, with Jordan Cotterill's effort inside the opening 10 minutes needing to be headed off the line by Met captain Bradley Woolridge.

With both sides working hard to create openings, Met’s downfall was ultimately of their own making on midway through the first half, as Woolridge conceded a cheap free-kick on the edge of his own box after bringing down Kayne McLaggon. Chris Hugh’s set-piece delivery was inch perfect, and Cooper was on hand to stab home to put Town into the lead.

Chances came and went for both McLaggon and Drew Fahiya as the first half wore on, but Barry were unable to nick a second goal and came under increased pressure in the second period.

Despite growing into the game and controlling the ball however, Met failed to generate many clear cut chances until the final 10 minutes.

Chris Baker’s strike on 83 minutes forced a good stop from Mike Lewis in the Barry goal, but after committing men forwards to try and grab an equaliser, Met were almost left exposed when Kayne McLaggon surged forwards in the dying minutes, only for Will Fuller to get down well to keep his strike out.

Met saved their best for last as they strived for a leveller, with Chris Baker’s effort cannoning back off the post in injury-time.

But Barry held on to claim another important victory, as their dream return season to the top flight continues.