Newtown 2 Barry Town United 1

GEORGE Hughes completed a stirring fightback as Newtown maintained their pressure on the JD Cymru Premier pace-setters at the expense of Barry Town United.

Barely more than 200 supporters braved the cold and were treated to a closely fought first-half with little to choose between the sides.

Kayne McLaggon drilled wide before the visitors scrambled an early lead with Jordan Cotterill netting from close range following a frantic goalmouth scramble.

However that was as good as it got for Barry with Nick Rushton galvanising the hosts with a man of the match winning display.

County Times: Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Rushton often goes without due credit in terms of his goals but the ex-Wrexham youngster's tireless running and clever link up play was once again evident as Newtown dominated the remainder of the game.

Rushton skilfully skipped around Chris Hugh on the touchline after 24 minutes with goalkeeper Mike Lewis denying him with a brave save at his near post.

While having most of the possession the home side struggled to carve any real openings with Lufumpa Mwandwe being kept quiet and top scorer Aaron Williams enduring one of his quieter halves in red.

County Times: Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Both sides complained to referee Cheryl Foster over several decisions in a rather niggly first-half which culminated in a booking for Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield after showing his anger after McLaggon was fouled on the edge of the area.

Despite being under the cosh for most of the half the visitors almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time only for Luke Cummings to lash into the side-netting.

Newtown needed to make the most of their possession after the break but Barry remained stoic early on.

County Times: Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

The breakthrough finally arrived on 59 minutes with Mwandwe finally breaking free of his shackles to deliver a low left wing cross which James Davies fired home from close range.

Barry were still reeling when the Robins struck again with Hughes allowed time and space to drill an unstoppable low drive from the edge of the area beyond the reach of Lewis.

Five minutes later Lewis kept his side in the game with a fine save to deny Davies as Newtown looked to put the game to bed.

County Times: Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Action from Newtown's victory over Barry Town United. Picture by Tili Lloyd.

Instead Barry weathered the storm and ensured the match hung in the balance late on with Nathaniel Jarvis and Luke Cooper both firing over the bar as Newtown held firm for three hard-earned points.

Newtown: Jones, Taylor, Roberts, Mills-Evans, Mwandwe, Rushton (Edwards 87), Davies, A Williams, C Williams, Hughes, Walker. Subs: M Williams, Evans, Cotterill, Rowland, Thomas, Arsan

Barry Town United: Lewis, Cummings (Jarvis 80), Hugh, Patten (Day 80), McLaggon, Cotterill, Kavanagh, Wharton, McDonald, Cooper, Green. Subs: Absalom, Davies, Press