Barry Town striker Darren Ryan has issued a warning to Cardiff City and Wrexham: "Respect us or we'll walk all over you."
Ryan's nine-goal tally in the FAW Invitation Cup, plus another seven from Eifion Williams have put Barry firmly in pole position in Group A.
They have beaten Swansea City along the way and are likely to face Cardiff, Wrexham or both in later stages of the competition.
"We want to play the Nationwide League clubs to see how far we've come," said the Oswestry born attacking midfield player.
"We've already played Swansea City and beaten them, although we lost in the return."
"But the likes of Cardiff City and Wrexham must respect us - if they don't we could walk over them."
Barry Town are well clear at the top of the League of Wales and in their last 11 matches have scored 45 and conceded one.
Ryan has twice scored four goals in a match during their last four matches - in an 8-0 success against Rhayader and the 9-0 thrashing of Conwy.
Despite Ryan's success this season, the former Shrewsbury, Chester City, Stockport and Rochdale player remains on the transfer list.
"I want to get back into the Nationwide League," said Ryan, who has one and a half years remaining on his contract. "But I have to stress I am happy with Barry Town."
"If nobody comes in for me then I'll be content tpo stay at Jenner Park.
"Hopefully, though, my goals will encourage somebody with a Nationwide League club to notice me."
Ryan is revelling in a free role at Barry Town, attacking from deep, and striking with speed and finishing ability.
He has scored 10 goals in League of Wales action for the Dragons and leads the way in the FAW Cup scoring charts with nine.
And as team-mate Eifion Williams lies second on seven and Chris Pike fourth on three, Barry have a pretty good chance of claiming the �10,000 first prize as top goalscorer.
The cash goes to the leading marksman, but Ryan said: "If any player at Barry Town wins the money we'll share it around the squad.
"I'm pretty pleased with my tally of nine goals in the Cup and if I win we'll all be off on a trip to Magaluf during the Summer.
Certainly, Barry manager Gary Barnett is delighted with Ryan's contribution this season.
"Darren really enjoys playing for Barry Town. We've had to adapt our style slighly to accomodate him, but he's shown up well in European matches and in domestic competition.
"He's an individual player with loads of ability. We are a passing side and we are prepared to let him play, something he can do to great effect."
The 5ft 9in striker would love another chance in the Nationwide League and sees the knockout stages of the FAW Cup as the chance to underline again what he is capable of.
It won't be until the semi-finals or final, but Ryan and his Barry team-mates all hope for a face-to-face confrontation with Cardiff City and Wrexham.
When Barry set out this season they saw the FAW Cup as a top priority, the chance to show that the League of Wales have standards to match the Nationwide.
"We'd love to pit ourselves against Cardiff City or Wrexham," said Barnett. "When we do our players must go out, be brave and play.
"We will play our passing game and I know we can do it well."
"We produced it in Europe and in our group matches against Swansea this season.
This article published in the South Wales Echo, 08.01.98, p.56. Written by Terry Phillips.
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