There were a number of new faces in the Barry side, with Mark Dempsey and Justin Perry both making their League of Wales debuts for the Dragons.
It was Perry who had the first opporunity for Barry, his header being saved by Pat O'Hagan in the Cwmbran goal. A few minutes later, a powerful Gary Lloyd free-kick was hit over the bar from 25 yards.
Cwmbran also had some very good opportunities, catching Barry on the break. However, they were soon without ex-Merthyr striker, Ian Mitchell, who was stretchered off with a serious injury.
Barry's opening goal came from Mark Dempsey in the 27th minute. Having shown his pace and skill in a similar move a few minute earlier, Dempsey cut inside the Cwmbran defence and fired in a strong low shot from 20 yards, which beat a despairing O'Hagan.
Cwmbran very nearly levelled a few minutes later, hitting the bar, but, eventually, somehow, the danger was cleared.
Barry went two-nil ahead a few minutes after the break. In a quick break, Barnett played the ball to Dempsey, whose cross was met by Eifion Williams, and the League of Wales 97/98 top goalscorer was able to head the ball into the net.
Barry's third goal came from a similar move, Cwmbran again being caught on the break. Yet again, Dempsey was the provider with Williams the recipient, although now from the other wing.
Barry's final goal came in the 84th minute, as a dispirited Cwmbran defence was beaten by a corner into the near post, which was met by an unchallenged Richard Jones.
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This article was first published in the Barry Town matchday magazine, v Cwmbran Town, 02.01.1999
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