Barry Town United 1 Newtown 1

BARRY Town United are play-off bound, having secured their spot with a 1-1 draw against Newtown on Sunday.

Gavin Chesterfield’s side can now look forward to a crunch May encounter with one of the JD Welsh Premier League’s top six and the chance to potentially represent Wales in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds.

The televised match against Newtown was far from a vintage affair, but few could complain about the result, as Barry made it seven games unbeaten and secured the precious point required to seal their play-off place.

The Robins, clinging to their own slight play-off hopes, had cause for celebration in the 15th minute when they took a 1-0 advantage; ending Barry’s run of over 360 minutes without conceding a JD Welsh Premier League goal.

After midfielder Ryan Kershaw pick-pocketed Barry’s Ryan Newman, Kershaw fed former Shrewsbury Town forward Ethan Jones, who raced in on goal and slotted a confident finish beyond goalkeeper Mike Lewis.

Nevertheless, Newtown could not hold onto their lead and the hosts were on terms with 38 minutes played; Barry striker Jonathan Hood cutting in and curling a sweet finish into the bottom corner to level in style.

At one apiece, Lewis would save from Jones and Kieran Mills-Evans, while the stopper was left a bewildered spectator in the 75th minute, when Luke Boundford’s deflected hit dipped and rebounded off the crossbar.

As the match then petered out, the latter stages were most notable for a waved-off Newtown penalty claim and an unfortunate clash of heads between forward Jordan Cotterill and Robins defender Callum Roberts.

Supporters were though pleased to welcome back Kayne McLaggon; the club’s leading goalscorer returning as a second-half substitute, providing Chesterfield with further attacking options for the play-off round ahead.

Having achieved their play-off berth with three games to spare, Barry will complete their regular season this week with a triple-header of fixtures; including the chance for double retribution on the north Wales coast.

On Saturday, Barry head to Llandudno (2.30pm), hoping to avenge their 1-0 loss to the Seasiders in September.

The Town then tackle relegated Prestatyn Town in a re-arranged fixture on Tuesday evening (7.45pm); Barry having suffered a 1-0 loss at Bastion Gardens in August and a wasted journey to the ground earlier this month.

The 32-game campaign then culminates on Friday 27th, when Carmarthen Town are the final visitors to Jenner Park of the 2017-18 season; the Old Gold potentially needing a win for Welsh Premier League survival.