Barry Town United began the second phase of the Cymru Premier season with a 2-1 win at relegation candidates Aberystwyth on Friday night.
Despite missing out on the top six in controversial circumstances, Steve Jenkins' men remain in pole position to clinch a play-off spot for European qualification - with Barry going seven points clear in seventh.
A goalless first half at Park Avenue saw Jonathan Evans break clear down the right flank from Niall Flint's pass before he struck the side netting.
Barry's best effort saw a long-range effort from Callum Sainty blasted narrowly over the bar.
But the visitors went ahead four minutes after the break, when Evan Press' through ball was chased down by Ollie Hulbert, who coolly chipped the ball past substitute keeper Sebastian Osment for his ninth league goal so far this season.
Hulbert went close to adding a second but was thwarted by Osment, who was making his league debut with Aber after Dave Jones was injured in the first half.
But on 71 minutes, the Aber defence were left scrambling for possession when a loose ball, which eventually fell to Keenan Patten, who drilled home from the edge of the box for his fifth goal of the campaign.
Barry keeper Liam Armstrong did well to block a 25 yard effort from Niall Flint, but he missed out on a clean sheet when on 84 minutes, Evans cut back the ball from Zac Hartley's cross, before finding Aber captain Jack Thorn to volley into the top corner of the net.
Stoppage time shouts for a handball against Barry went unheeded by referee Jordan Harman as the visitors held on for all three points.
Barry return to Jenner Park on Saturday to face Flint Town United as they look to strengthen their stranglehold on 7th place in the table.
JD Cymru Premier Play Off Conference
Aberystwyth Town 1-2 Barry Town United
Flint Town United 2-1 Connah's Quay Nomads (Sat)
Newtown 2-2 Briton Ferry Llansawel
Championship Conference
Cardiff Met 2-1 Penybont
Haverfordwest County 3-2 Bala Town (Sat)
Barry RFC secure second victory on the bounce against Llanishen
Barry Town head into the third round of the Welsh Cup
Welsh city could host Women’s World Cup games
Barry RFC Youth 45 - 26 Maesteg Quins
Barry RFC bounce back after disappointing display at Abercwmboi
Barry draw with Caernarfon at Jenner Park
Jenkins nominated for Cymru Premier award
Back-to-back defeats for Barry
Sully defeated at Bridgend Athletic
Half Marathon runner in hospital after cardiac arrest
Barry Ladies beaten by Briton Ferry
McCarthy-Campbell leaves Barry Ladies
Neck injury halts Bombers' demolition
TNS end Barry's unbeaten run
Llantwit denied in last-gasp draw
Unbeaten Bears edge out the Buns
Bro Radio partners with Hospital Radio Glamorgan for Cardiff Half Marathon Coverage
