The initial ingredient, however, began with an i for influenza.
Barry declared nine fit men, but League of Wales secretary John Deakin was insistent that the game went ahead, and the nine fit men, plus Andrew York and Mark Dempsey had to play to make up the team.
The W factor saw a typical Welsh winter weather with a strong wind favouring Barry in the first half, Inter in the second.
Wager was in superb form as Inter's goalkeeper. Wharton played his usual game and was sent off. Wills got Inter's goal with an in-swinging corner which David Wells could only help into the net. To be fair, a similar cross from a free-kick by Wills was superbly tipped over by Wells.
Eifion Williams got the Barry goal with a superb effort to maintain his fine scoring record.
Danny Carter recovering from his knee operation and Gary Lloyd were missing, as was last week's hero, Justin Perry and Paul Mitchell. All three were flu victims.
Barry lined up with Terry Evans in central defence and York in midfield. It was Dempsey who tested Wager early on with a 30 yarder and the goalkeeper again kept out Jody Jenkins, who had a clear run down the bye-line and into the box, past two defenders, but not Wager.
Jenkins was having a fine first half and he slotted a great through ball to Barnett, but again Wager saved.
Barry were completely in control and Darren Davies crossed to Williams, who with a side flick this time beat Wager, but went wide of the post.
Richard Jones hit a cross which was headed narrowly wide by Davies and Williams had a strong run passing defenders but finding one too many as Inter packed the defence.
It was all Barry but a rare attack from Inter saw Wharton with a glancing header, which was well saved by Wells.
In the 38th minute, however, Williams at last beat Wager from Davies' fine cross.
Barry began to turn the screw, but could not increase the score, finding Wager in the sort of form which made him such a hero for Merthyr. A goalkeeper who surely should have graced the football leagues.
Barry played some exhibition football just before the break as they held the ball for several minutes, possibly stringing together about 80 passes with Inter totally unable to get the ball.
The second half was always going to be tough for Barry against the wind and with a weakened side. However, it was Wager who again rescued Inter with a fine save from Williams after more good work from Jenkins.
After just 12 minutes, a corner to Inter was a superb in-swinger by Wills, which Wells could only help into the net.
Wells did really well to tip over a free-kick from Wills which almost brought the winner for the Cardiff side.
Chris Pridham sent in a stunning shot which Wager saved superbly as he did equally well with a glancing Williams header and a Jenkins drive.
Wharton was Inter's villain as he was sent off for a second bookable offence and Wager the hero for giving Inter a share of the points, largely due to his outstanding form.
Links to other sites on the Web
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Barry Gem match report - Barry v Inter
This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1999.
This report first published in the Barry & District News, 31.12.1998.
Match report of Barry Town v Inter Cabletel, League of Wales, 26.12.1998.
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