Barry edging closer to making Premier return
BARRY Town are still on course for promotion to the Welsh Premier League and host Cambrian and Clydach tomorrow at Jenner Park in the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division One.
Gavin Chesterfield’s table-toppers stayed in pole position after securing a hard earned 3-0 away win last weekend at Port Talbot.
Ex-Bluebird Curtis Watkins, Louis Gerrard and Jordan Cotterill were the men on target for the Linnetts.
And the meanest defence in the league, AKA Luke Cooper, Paul Morgan, Chris Hugh, Ryan Evans and Curtis Watkins plus goalkeeper Mike Lewis, were once again not offering away gifts at their end of the field.
Chesterfield’s team have 10 games left and every three points will edge them towards their promotion dream.
“It’s definitely in our own hands now as we are top with 10 to play,” said the Barry boss.
”We start on Saturday, against Cambrian and every game will be tough because there are six or seven clubs who can still win this league.
“Our crowd at Jenner are always vital to us and they could play a big part this week especially as we host title rivals in Cambrian tomorrow and Haverfordwest on Tuesday evening.
“A six point haul from these games could have a massive impact on our title quest.”
If Barry and Cambrian is the day’s top game, not far behind will be second-placed Goytre, who entertain Penybont in fourth spot.
Lee Relish, Goytre’s No.1 and Penybont’s Rhys Griffiths are stalking Barry and will both want three points to keep up the pressure.
Griffiths’ team suffered the worst start of the current top six, but have made up ground,
“We can beat anyone in this league on the day,” said Griffiths. “We’ve beaten Barry twice and drawn with them in three games this season. Whoever finishes above then will win the league and we’re still in contention.”
Caerau Ely boss Nana Baah said last week his team could still win the crown but have plenty of tough fixtures left and that is the case tomorrow at Cwrt y Ala as the Ely club host Goytre United.
“Goytre are full of experience and beat Taffs Well 2-0 in their last game,” said Baah.
“But if we can defeat them tomorrow we might just stop their challenge, that’s how important the game is.”
A home win for Caerau would put Baah’s team eight points clear of Goytre with a game in hand, so it’s simply a must win for Lee John’s visitors.
Ton Pentre host Taffs Well at Ynys Park and will be happy with their current form.
They recorded a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night against Undy Athletic.
This was on the back of a hardearned 0-0 draw at Cambrian last Friday and Lee Phillips’ team look to be banishing any thoughts of relegation.
Lee Bridgeman will hope his team are in the right mood after he described them as somewhat Jekyll and Hyde at present.
Haverfordwest County are on a run of 15 points from five games which makes them a serious contender now.
The dark horse tag has been firmly left behind with five victories in a row and they will start as warm favourites tomorrow when the travel to bottombut-one Caldicot Town.
Cwmbran Celtic host Afan Lido in a mid-table encounter while the Lido’s near neighbours Port Talbot also travel to Gwent to face Undy Athletic.
Dinas Powys’ recent revival will be put to a severe test tomorrow as Paul Giles’ team travel west to play league leaders Llanelli at Stebonheath Park.
Ex-Swansea talisman Lee Trundle has been scoring for fun for the Reds and Dinas will do well to return with a point.
Porth are on the road to Garden Village after being defeated 2-1 against Aberdare on Wednesday night.
Aberdare also travel to Cwmamman United.
Pontypridd Town welcome West End to Ynysangharad Park and Dominic Broad’s team are still right in the hunt for promotion.
There is an all-Cardiff derby at the Willows in Division Three as Craig Dale’s Bridgend Street host Julian Jenkins’ Ely Rangers.
Both clubs will want to win to kick start any late charge for promotion.
Llantwit Major are still a serious threat to runaway leaders STM Sports and they host Treharris Athletic.
Nathan Cadette’s STM suffered a rare defeat by losing 1-0 at Chepstow Town last weekend and face another tough away fixture tomorrow against Trethomas Bluebirds, who are still aiming for a top-three finish.
In the Welsh Premier League, Cardiff Met go to Connah’s Quay (2.30pm) looking to build on last week’s 2-2 draw with Carmarthen