BARRY though not back to full form, easily beat North Wales rivals Bangor in an enthralling encounter at Jenner Park.
Full credit to Gary Barnett's men who played without a recognised striker.
Cardiff City manager Frank Burrows popped in to Jenner Park and popped out again when he saw that Eifion Williams was not playing. Injury has sidelined the main striker and may well keep him out of the important clash with Merthyr next Tuesday.
Richard Jones who has had a marvellous season playing some of his best soccer, was pushed forward into the lone striker role, with Danny Carter foraging just behind.
Jones played his part with two great goals and Carter and Gareth Shone completed the scoring. Jones took his personal total to 12, competing for third place in the League of Wales scoring table alongside some of the best strikers in the league, surely a fitting tribute to a man who has played most of his games in midfield.
Barry began on the attack and Carter was soon at the fore, a mazy run by him took him to the edge of the box but his well struck shot cannoned off a defender. After just eight minutes, Barry's linchpin, Andrew York, limped off to be replaced by a not fully fit Gary Lloyd.
Bangor were looking for openings also and they had a lively young striker in Tommy Mutton and he needed careful shepherding by the Barry defence.
Mark Dempsey was prominent on the left and a good cross by him found Terry Evans who struck on target but Bangor's giant goalkeeper Lee Williams saved well.
Barry were starting to play the sort of soccer that they are renowned for, but struggled to break down Bangor rearguard of which ex-Barry player Dave Norman was prominent.
With half-time approaching and heading for 0-0, Dempsey set up Jones and his low drive sailed into the corner in the 41st minute.
Two minutes later Jones struck again, his first shot beaten out, but his second attempt went in off a defender and Barry went in with a clear 2-0 lead.
In the second half, Dempsey switched wings and as he tore down the right, he slipped the ball to Carter who cheekily side flicked into the net and after 50 minutes, Barry were 3-0 up.
Barry Town supporters' club player of the month Lee Barrow committed the cardinal sin of defenders, caught in possession he was robbed by Mutton and the young striker tucked the ball away for 3-1.
Barrow would have been angry with himself, but in fairness it was a rare mistake from the ex-Torquay star.
On the hour, Barry went further ahead, however, when Shone volleyed home.
After a great double save by goalkeeper Dave Wells, he had to face his opposite number when Mutton was brought down in the box. Wells could not save the spot kick from the powerfully built Williams and the final scoreline was 4-2.
Barry is the first team to score four past Bangor this season, and the latter join the elite four clubs who have scored two past Barry this season.
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This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1999.
This article first published in the Barry & District News, 11.03.1999.
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