Carmarthen Town 0 Barry Town 1
Carmarthen’s hopes of battling relegation took another setback on Friday night after a late Drew Fahiya strike added to their woes.
Time is running out for Carmarthen to turn their fortunes around – they now have just five games to overturn an eight point deficit that could yet increase when Aberystwyth face Newtown on Saturday.
Barry Town needed to be patient for the game to finally turn in their favour and Gavin Chesterfield’s side were finally rewarded ten minutes from time.
Chesterfield will have been especially pleased to have seen his team extend their winning run to four straight matches, despite the absence of influential goalscorer Kayne McLaggon.
Both teams struggled to fashion clear cut chances and a goalless first-half accurately reflected the lack of goalmouth activity.
Luke Bowen’s diving header from six yards out found Mike Lewis well-positioned in what was the best chance of the first period.
Carmarthen seemed content with Barry Town adopting a possession-based game and repeatedly looked to hit the visitors on the counter.
Liam Thomas unleashed a shot wide of the post that was deemed to have taken a deflection on its way before Jordan Knott fired wildly over.
Carmarthen then failed to capitalise on a gilt-edged chance when Bowen shot just wide with a clear sight of goal.
The game hinted of turning in Barry’s favour when James Demetriou flung himself at the Southam’s delivery from the right flank.
The breakthrough came moments later with Demetriou again pivotal.
The former Bangor City striker drove a fierce shot against the upright with the Carmarthen goalkeeper beaten, and substitute Fahiya was fastest to react the loose ball.
On loan Swansea City keeper Lewis Thomas stood up well to thwart Jonathan Hood’s effort as Barry Town attempted to immediately double their lead.
And Carmarthen couldn’t capitalise on a desperate late spell pressure and were left to face defeat.
Carmarthen’s lead over bottom side Prestatyn was cut to two points after James Stead’s 88th minute penalty salvaged them a 2-2 draw with Llandudno.
Chris Venables scored twice as Bala Town overcome Bangor City and leapfrogged their opponents into second place.
The remaining teams all play tomorrow.
Friday’s JD Welsh Premier League results:
Bangor City 1 Bala Town 2, Carmarthen 0 Barry Town 1, Llandudno 2 Prestatyn 2
