Barry retained their position in the Cymru Premier Top Six, despite a 4-1 home defeat against league champions, The New Saints, writes Ian Johnson.

After going two goals down, Barry pulled one back, but goals either side of half-time gave the professional team the points.

Barry had early chances through Sam Snaith, who fired over, and Evan Press, whose effort was saved.

The opening goal came on the half hour, and in controversial circumstances. The assistant referee flagged for a foul on Barry’s left, but the referee allowed play to continue, and Danny Davies’s low shot went in at the far post.

A minute later, the Saints doubled their lead. A corner on the Barry right saw goalkeeper Luc Rees save an initial attempt, but the ball came loose to Ash Baker, who fired into the top corner of the net.

Barry bounced back quickly, and nearly scored when Snaith’s shot, with his back to goal, was clawed away by TNS ‘keeper, Connor Roberts.

However, Barry did pull one back moments later, Snaith meeting a Robbie Willmott cross at the far post and the Saints, this time, unable to stop it crossing the line.

It seemed as if a comeback was on, but in first half injury time, the visitors made it 3-1, as Declan McManus’s header directed Danny Redmond’s cross into the far corner.

Barry continued to battle, and Ollie Hulbert went close from a Press cross, his header hitting the side netting.

The final nail in the coffin came after 66 minutes when Josh Yorwerth was caught in possession and the ball fell to Leo Smith, who lashed it home from the edge of the box.

Barry nearly scored a consolation late in the game, when Ieuan Owen’s double effort was saved by Roberts at the near post.

On Saturday, Barry are at home to Connah’s Quay Nomads in the league, kicking off at the normal time of 2:30pm.