Bangor City were unable to capitalise on a weekend in which snow decimated the JD Welsh Premier League programme.
The Citizens were the only team in the top-three to have a fixture with The New Saints clash against Bala Town and Cardiff Met’s visit to Newtown both falling foul of the weather.
Bala Town’s Maes Tegid ground resembled that of an idyllic Christmas card rather than a WPL venue while Newtown’s match with Cardiff Met was bafflingly called off as late as 1pm – despite passing an early morning pitch inspection, leaving Cardiff Met with a needless jaunt to mid-Wales.
Conditions were far less severe at Jenner Park meanwhile where Barry Town hosted Bangor City looking to end a run of three straight defeats, and the Citizens setting their sights on closing The New Saints’ lead to two points.
Barry appeared to be responding well to last week’s Welsh Cup loss to Caernarfon and a bright start from Gavin Chesterfield’s team saw Luke Cooper bring out a fine save from young goalkeeper Matthew Hall with an unmarked header.
At the other end, 20-year-old Joe Massaro – starting his first WPL games as deputy for the injured Mike Lewis – saw his goal under threat from George Harry, who fired into the side netting with City looking menacing on the break.
Player of the Month Dean Rittenberg broke the deadlock on 28 minutes, combining well with Gary Taylor-Fletcher to notch his sixth strike in five matches.
The former Blackburn forward looks as sharp and as composed as any striker in the league and appears to be flourishing under Kevin Nicholson this season after struggling for consistency last term.
Two of Bangor’s other emerging talents attempted to add to the Citizens’ league after the restart but George Harry couldn’t produce the finish after linking up well with Luke Wall inside the final third.
With Bangor threatening to add to their lead, Barry responded with Cooper again bringing the best out of Matthew Hall, who pushed a powerful effort over the crossbar.
Barry’s growing pressure would eventually pay dividends and when the lively Drew Fahiya was brought down by Tom Kennedy inside the area, Kayne McLaggon made no mistake from 12 yards.
Substitute Brayden Shaw almost restored Bangor’s lead moments after coming on. The former Accrington-man sent a low drive inches past the post as Barry clinched a hard earned point.
Llandudno picked up a point in a stalemate at Carmarthen Town. Bottom side Carmarthen are now 10 points adrift from safety.
Matchday 16 results
Connah’s Quay 5 Aberystwyth 1; Prestatyn P-P Cefn Druids; Barry Town 1 Bangor City 1; Carmarthen 0 Llandudno 0; Newtown P-P Cardiff Met; Bala Town P-P The New Saints