APRIL 17, 2018
PLAY-OFF PLACE SECURED WITH POINT
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 (21st April), 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.