Goalkeeper Mike Lewis is at the heart of Barry Town United’s bid for a double triumph in Welsh League Division One.
Cardiff-based Lewis, a former Welsh Premier player, has kept 16 clean sheets for Barry this season and conceded only 14 goals in 22 league matches.
Leaders Barry are intent on winning the title and earning promotion to the top flight of Welsh domestic football.
Almost 400 spectators watched their 2-0 win against rivals Haverfordwest County at Jenner Park in midweek and Lewis told the Welsh Premier League podcast: “I’m loving it, this is a great club to play for.
“The whole team effort against Haverfordwest was outstanding.”
Barry’s ‘Clean Sheet King’ Lewis has played for Carmarthen and Aberystwyth at Welsh Premier level and he believes Barry should be playing at that level.
“The potential is massive – just look at the attendance for our match against Haverfordwest,” he said. “Barry is a massive club with a massive history. It’s on a par at least with clubs like Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.
“This club deserves to be playing Welsh Premier football and that’s the aim for next season.
“When the manager (Gavin Chesterfield) signed me I was surprised how professional our club is. It’s a fantastic set-up and Barry is a club determined to keep making progress.”
Lewis, 27, made almost 150 Welsh Premier appearances for Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, while he has also played for Swansea City youth, Afan Lido, Cardiff Corries and Uwic.
He is a former Cardiff City Academy goalkeeping coach who has played in European football, helped Aber to a Welsh Cup final appearance and was voted Carmarthen supporters player of the year.
Barry are top of Welsh League Division One with eight fixtures left. The first of those is at Taffs Well on Saturday.
Welsh League Division One
Top six only – all teams play 30 fixtures
Pl GD Pts
1 Barry Town United 22 +27 47
2 Goytre 22 +21 43
3 Haverfordwest County 22 +7 41
4 Caerau Ely 22 +14 39
5 Penybont 21 +12 36
6 Cwmbran Celtic 25 +6 36
Barry Town United’s remaining First Division fixtures
March
Saturday 18 v Taffs Well (away, 2.30pm)
Saturday 25 v Caerau Ely (home, 2.30pm)
April
Saturday 1 v Ton Pentre (away, 2.30pm)
Saturday 8 v Goytre United (home, 2.30pm)
Saturday 15 v Risca United (home, 2.30pm)
Tuesday 18 v Goytre United (away, 7.30pm)
Saturday 22 v Cambrian and Clydach (away, 2.30pm)
Saturday 29 v Ton Pentre (home, 2.30pm)