Barry turn on the style to claim a top-six spot
BARRY Town United and The New Saints both went on the rampage in the penultimate round of matches in phase one of the JD Cymru Premier League.
Barry needed one win from their last two games to ensure a top-six finish to reach the Championship Conference after this weekend’s split, and they did in style at Jenner Park as they beat third-placed Bala Town 6-2.
Gavin Chesterfield’s men came from behind after conceding a goal to Chris Venables after only two minutes.
Barry scored five goals without reply to take control of proceedings. Kayne McLaggon and Evan Press both scored twice before Chris Hugh made it 5-1 in the 51st minute.
Kieran Smith got one back for Bala, but Curtis JemmettHudson scored the goal of the game with a brilliant solo effort that saw him juggle the ball on his knee with his back to goal, before turning on the penalty spot and smashing a half-volley into the left corner.
The New Saints also went into overdrive to make it 11 goals in their last two games as they beat Flint Town United 6-0.
Adrian Cieslewicz had a hat-trick of assists and scored the penultimate goal as his side closed the gap on league leaders Connah’s Quay to three points.
The visitors were four goals to the good within 16 minutes as Ben Clark, Ryan Astles and Louis Robles (2) all struck. Cieslewicz made it 5-0 by the break and Ryan Brobbel marked his return to action with the sixth in the 51st minute.
Penybont, Caernarfon Town and Haverfordwest County will battle it out for the final two places in the top six, with fifth-placed Penybont hosting Haverfordwest. The Bluebirds will head to Bridgend full of confidence on the back of a 3-0 win at Newtown.
Penybont could only pick up a point in a 1-1 draw at Aberystwyth. A goal from Mael Davies in the 59th minute wiped out Harry Franklin’s 33rd-minute strike for the home team.
A 3-2 home win over struggling Cardiff Met was a big boost for Caernarfon. Jack Kenny gave the home side a 12th-minute lead at The Oval before a Mike Hayes penalty made it 2-0.
The students hit back with a Harry Owen goal, but Jake Bickerstaff was given a simple tap-in after fine work down the left by Hayes and the home team were 3-1 to the good. Eliot Evans hammered home a consolation penalty for the visitors.