Mclaggon’s on the spot as Barry battle past strugglers

KAYNE Mclaggon fired home a 16th-minute penalty to inspire a 1-0 home win for Barry Town United over bottom side Cefn Druids in the JD Cymru Premier League.

It was the ninth league goal of the season from the Barry skipper and moved his side to within two points of fourth place.

Ahead of Barry, the stars aligned perfectly for leaders The New Saints as they increased the gap at the top of the table to nine points thanks to a 2-0 home win over title rivals Newtown.

Ash Baker came up with a goal and an assist to make things safe for Anthony Limbrick’s side and hot-shot Declan Mcmanus stretched his league tally to 13 with the opening goal of the game on the hour mark.

That made it 19 for the season for the Scottish marksman.

A tight first half ended goalless and it took a nice piece of play by former Wales Under-21 cap Baker down the right to play in Mcmanus for the opening goal.

Baker then ensured the first defeat of the season at Aberystwyth in their last outing was pushed firmly to the back of the mind when he collected the ball from a Ryan Brobbel corner and powered a shot past the Newtown keeper.

That made it 2-0 and there was no coming back for the visitors. Then came the news that Bala

Town had turned over Flint Town United on their own patch to open up that nine-point gap at the top.

Former Wales international David Edwards knocked in a firsthalf goal for the home side and then Ollie Shannon struck twice in five minutes on the hour mark to stretch the lead to 3-0.

Jack Kenny clawed one back for Flint, but it was too little, too late.

Connah’s Quay Nomads started a run of three home games in four with a 0-0 draw against Penybont.

It was another priceless point for Craig Harrison’s men as they battle to secure a top-six finish.

They are now in sixth, ahead of Caernarfon Town on goal difference, and only one point behind Penybont in fourth.

Noah Edwards and Cai Jones scored the goals that enabled Caernarfon to win 2-1 at Haverfordwest County.

John Owen struck early for much-improved Aberystwyth Town as they built on their shock 1-0 home win over The New Saints to stretch their unbeaten run to three games with a 1-0 win at Cardiff Met.

Owen’s goal came in the 10th minute of an otherwise even contest and they hung on to win and beat the students for the first time in nine games.