Barry Town climbed to the top of the JD Welsh Premier League table after Connah’s Quay suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bala Town.
Connah’s Quay found themselves trailing after seven minutes when Ryan Wignall was dispossessed just outside his own box allowing ex-Nomad Sean Smith to finish past John Danby. Bala doubled their lead when Henry Jones added a second 15 minutes into the game.
The Lakesiders squandered the chance to make it 3-0 when Steve Tames was fouled inside the area, with Danby saving Henry Jones’ spot-kick.
Connah’s Quay pulled a goal back when Bala midfielder Nathan Burke deflected Rob Hughes’ wicked delivery into his own net.
WPL top-scorer Tames then saw himself needlessly dismissed deep in added time after kicking the ball away after an off-side call, having already been cautioned earlier.
Having won earlier in the day, Barry Town now have a two point lead at the summit.
Gavin Chesterfield’s side went into their game against Cardiff Met looking for a fourth straight win and they found their stride when Kayne McLaggon’s headed opener saw the Barry Town marksman score for a third straight game.
Eliot Evans restored parity for the Met just four minutes later, with a stinging shot from distance before Chris Hugh claimed his second assist of the afternoon, centring the ball to Jordan Cotterill who restored Barry’s lead.
The New Saints’ title defence continues to gather momentum after they hit seven without reply against Cefn Druids.
Saints remain third, four points off Barry, with Ryan Brobbel claiming a hat-trick and Kurtis Byrne claiming a brace. Jamie Mullan and substitute Greg Draper were the other scorers.
Newtown boosted their top-six hopes with a 2-0 derby win over Aberystwyth Town.
Steve Leslie’s penalty and Nick Rushton’s second-half strike leave Aberystwyth’s own top-six hopes in balance with a third straight defeat.
Caernarfon Town remain a point outside the top-half, but now have a game in hand after their clash with Llandudno was abandoned with the scoreline goalless at half-time, due to an electricity failure. The rearranged fixture has been rescheduled for 12.00, Saturday.
Llanelli claimed a crucial point in their relegation battle. Michael George fired the Reds ahead against Carmarthen midway through the second half before Luke Bowen replied for the Old Gold against his former club.
Boxing Day results
Llanelli 1-1 Carmarthen, Barry Town 2-1 Cardiff Met, Aberystwyth 0-2 Newtown, Bala Town 2-1 Connah’s Quay, Caernarfon A-A Llandudno, The New Saints 7-0 Cefn Druids.
| 1 | Barry Town United FC | 19 | 13 | 2 | 4 | 33 | 25 | 8 | 41 |
| 2 | Connah’s Quay Nomads | 19 | 12 | 3 | 4 | 47 | 18 | 29 | 39 |
| 3 | The New Saints | 19 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 51 | 12 | 39 | 37 |
| 4 | Bala Town | 19 | 10 | 4 | 5 | 41 | 28 | 13 | 34 |
| 5 | Newtown | 19 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 35 | 23 | 12 | 32 |
| 6 | Aberystwyth Town | 19 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 23 | 33 | -10 | 27 |
| 7 | Caernarfon Town | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 22 | 20 | 2 | 26 |
| 8 | Cardiff Metropolitan University | 19 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 26 | 31 | -5 | 21 |
| 9 | Cefn Druids | 19 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 23 | 31 | -8 | 20 |
| 10 | Carmarthen Town AFC | 19 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 24 | 37 | -13 | 18 |
| 11 | Llanelli Town AFC | 19 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 19 | 62 | -43 | 12 |
| 12 | Llandudno FC | 18 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 12 | 36 | -24 | 9 |
