CAERNARFON Town remain fifth in the JD Welsh Premier League standings despite falling to a heavy 4-0 reverse at Barry Town United.

The Canaries emerged from their long trip to South Wales with nothing to show for their efforts against a clinical United outfit, with Sean Eardley’s men enjoying a two-point cushion over Bala Town having played a game more.

It has been a difficult start to Phase Two for the Cofis’ amongst the top-flight elite, and things do not get any easier when they welcome title-chasing Iron Bru Cup finalists Connah’s Quay Nomads to The Oval on Friday, April 5.

Things got off to the worst possible start for the away side, who fell behind after just two minutes when Kyle McLaggon steered an effort past Alex Ramsay to give Gavin Chesterfield’s side an early advantage.

The remainder of the first period was evenly fought with both sides enjoying good spells of possession, but United turned the screw just before the break and doubled their advantage on 40 minutes as Mo Touray finished off a fast counter-attack to give the Linnets a comfortable cushion at the interval.

A defensive error from the Canaries during the opening stages of the second half saw their hopes of salvaging something from the game vanquished, with Jonathan Hood taking full advantage of the mistake to notch a third with 50 on the clock.

Another outstanding move brought the fourth and final goal on 66 minutes, with McLaggon’s precise through ball presenting a golden chance to Touray, who made no mistake to extend his exceptional scoring run throughout the campaign.

Full-back Joe Williams was sent off on 70 minutes for the visitors to round off a miserable afternoon at the office.