The chase for Welsh Football League title glory and possible promotion is hotting up.
Leaders Barry Town United suffered a first Division One home defeat of the season at Jenner Park, slipping 2-1 against second-placed Goytre FC.
Only three points cover the top four clubs with one promotion place available, while Penybont and Taffs Well are five points behind the leaders.
Barry would love to earn promotion and they must finish in the top two, above any other teams who want to go up.
Cardiff Met were promoted from Welsh League football last season, while other South Wales teams to have made the step up in recent seasons are Haverfordwest County (2015 and 1997), Afan Lido (2011), Neath FC (2007), Grange Quins (2005), Llanelli (2004), Port Talbot (2000) and Carmarthen Town (1996).
Barry are keen to follow their lead and travel to play Port Talbot Town in a league match at the Victoria Road ground this Saturday.
Manager Gavin Chesterfield is currently away in Qatar with a Football Association of Wales Trust under-15 squad with coaches Damon Searle and Mike Cosslett taking charge while he is away.
Goytre FC entertain Undy Athletic, while third-places Caerau Ely are at home against Taffs Well.
Barry suffered defeat against Goytre FC in a match they dominated for long periods.
Callum Sainty headed Barry ahead, Drew Fahiya almost made it 2-0 and then Sainty was denied by a superb same from goalkeeper Nicky Thomas.
Barry, though, could not find a second goal and Goytre FC equalised from a Sam O’Sullivan penalty before Gary Colbourne headed them 2-1 in front.
Former Cardiff City development team player Curtis Watkins played out of position at centre-back for Barry, while manager Chesterfield, in charge before heading off to Qatar with the Welsh under-15 squad, sent on three substitutes in a bid to avoid defeat, but Goytre held on to take the points.
They could have been seven points clear at the top with a win, but the defeat plus Caerau Ely’s 1-0 win against Cambrian and Clydach ensured the leading bunch are closely grouped.
Barry play with Haverfordwest and Cearau Ely at home before the end of this season and they are going to be crucial clashes.
Unbeaten Llanelli FC are still unbeaten and top of Division Two, while STM Sports are 12 points clear of second-placed Llantwit Major in the Third Division.
In the Nathaniel Car Sales Cup semi-finals, both due to be played on Wednesday, April 5, Llanelli have been drawn against Caerau Ely and that tie will be played at the Afan Lido’s Marstons Stadium, Aberavon (7.30pm).
The venue for the second semi-final, Bridgend Street against Haverfordwest, is yet to be announced.
Welsh League Division One
top six only
Pl Pts
1 Barry Town United 19 38
2 Goytre FC 20 37
3 Caerau Ely 20 36
4 Haverfordwest County 19 35
5 Penybont 19 33
6 Taffs Well 20 33
