This was a well planned victory for Gary Barnett's high-flyers. The introduction of Paul Mitchell alongside Lee Barrow in the centre of defence made up a solid back four.
The former Torquay duo effectively snuffing out Cwmbran's dangerous front pair of Davies and Dyer, who hardly had a kick and with man of the match Terry Evans, and the stylish Gary Lloyd on the left, Barry looked solid indeed.
Andrew York was resting in view of his impending suspension and Darren Ryan was left out, resting him for the Merthyr game.
Barry were far too professional for the Crows who tried to play football, but were cancelled out in the final third of the pitch. Two goals by Eifion Williams and a great free-kick by Gareth Knott gave Barry the points and it was fitting that the former scored the 100th league goal of the season in injury time.
An early Terry Evans cross was missed by Williams, but the early warning signs were there for Cwmbran and although it took time for the players to settle, Barry looked extemely lively and certainly dominated the early stages.
The opening 20 minutes or so, were uneventful with the teams tending to play a little short in the sticky conditions after heavy overnight rain.
Crows midfielder Adam Moore crossed to Davies whose goalbound shot was blocked by Barnett. Barry however, began to adjust better and a Danny Cartre cross to Barrow's head was easily saved by Pat O'Hagan in the Cwmbran goal.
Terry Evans was having a great game making several surges down the right wing and it was he that almost scored, when a Lloyd cross found Evans' foot, but somehow the ball looped over the bar. Only a minute later, and another good chance went begging as Barnett found sapce down the left, but with players waiting in the middle. hit the side netting.
Cwmbran were trying hard to play football, but lacked sharpness and imagination in the final third of the pitch. It was 1-0 to Barry when a free-kick given 25 yards out, seemed to be set for a Lloyd special, but Knott zipped in with a curling shot into the corner to beat O'Hagan who looked stunned.
The goalkeeper saved well from Craig Evans' flashing header and again from a Knott header to make amends for the free-kick.
No further first half goals and it was just five minutes into the second half when a great diagonal ball by Barrow, found Phil Johnson, whose first time ball to Williams, was driven home for 2-0.
Cwmbran were commiting a series of niggling fouls which seemed to escape the referee's eye. Barrow had a good header on target, but Balckie did well to block the defender's goal-bound effort.
Cwmbran brought on two substitutes who were both booked within twn minutes of their appearance as the Crows continued their physical game.
The Gwent side tried to get back into the game, but Barry absorbed all that they could muster, Davies the exception, with a volley on target, but a lightning reflex save from Mark Ovendale denied he striker his chance.
With the game beginning to go stale, Barry brought on York and Lee Matthews for Barnett and Craig Evans to change things around a bit. With the score looking likely to finish at 2-0 and teh 100th goal on hold, a bad Crows clearance enabled Williams to fire home just before the referee blew for the end of the game.
Barry are now 21 points clear at the top with Inter Cable-tel joining Cwmbran Town on 58 points to share second place.
Cwmbran manager Tony Wilcox reflected on Barry being virtually unbeatable by League of Wales opposition. He said "This is the best Barry team ever. Their profesionalism and commitment is a tribute to Gary Barnett. I can only sit back and admire what they have done."
Asked about his rival manager, Mr Wilcox said "Gary Barnett has done a magnificent job for Barry, giving 100 per cent effort into what they have achieved and I admire hime greatly."
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This page maintained by the Yellow Dragon, 1998.
This report first published in the Barry and District News, 12.03.98
League of Wales; 07.03.98 Cwmbran Town - Barry Town.
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