Jack Shaw hailed the quality and character within the Barry Town United squad after the Town came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory away at Holywell Town.
The hosts took the lead during the first half, leaving Steve Jenkins’ side with work to do if they were to maintain their perfect start to the Novira Cymru Premier campaign.
But the Town produced the response required, turning the contest around to claim all three points and make it four league victories from four at the beginning of the new season.
Shaw also had plenty of reason to celebrate on a personal level, finding the back of the net for his first competitive goal since making the move to Jenner Park during the summer.
A 3-1 win away at Holywell and another three points on the board — what did you make of the team’s performance?
“I thought the lads were excellent. Holywell is a difficult place to come and get a result, so to go there and win 3-1 shows the quality and character we’ve got in the squad.”
It was the perfect response from the Town after falling behind, but Shaw’s goal also represented an important response of his own.
The midfielder had experienced the disappointment of missing from the penalty spot against Cardiff Met in Barry’s previous outing.
Rather than allowing that moment to affect his confidence, Shaw responded in the best possible way by getting himself on the scoresheet in north Wales.
Football can be about how you respond to setbacks. After the penalty against Cardiff Met, how pleased were you to respond with a goal tonight, and how much support did you get from the lads and staff this week?
“Obviously I was disappointed with the penalty against Cardiff Met, but football gives you another opportunity pretty quickly and I was determined to respond in the right way.
“The lads and staff have been brilliant with me all week and just told me to keep doing what I’m doing and not let one moment affect me.
“So to get the goal tonight and help the team get another three points was a really good feeling.”
Shaw’s strike was his first competitive goal in the yellow and blue and added another memorable moment to what has been an impressive opening few weeks of the campaign.
Four matches have now brought four victories for Jenkins’ side, with the Town continuing to find ways to pick up points and overcome different challenges.
Despite the perfect start, Shaw insists the squad know there is still plenty of work ahead if they are to achieve their ambitions this season.
The team have started the league campaign strongly — how important is it to keep building that momentum?
“It’s really important. We’ve obviously got four wins from four now, which is a brilliant start, but that’s all it is at the moment.
“We want to set high standards for ourselves this season and compete at the top end of the league, so we have to keep working hard and make sure we’re ready for the next game.
“Hopefully we can keep putting points on the board.”
Shaw arrived at Jenner Park during the summer after joining from Trethomas Bluebirds and has quickly become part of Jenkins’ new-look squad.
Having now opened his competitive account for the club, the midfielder has spoken positively about his first few months at Barry and the confidence his Head Coach and teammates have given him.
What has it been like working under Steve Jenkins and with this group of players since joining the club?
“It’s been brilliant. Steve has been really good with me since the first conversation we had and he’s given me a lot of confidence and belief in my ability.
“He’s also very clear on what he wants from me and the areas he thinks I can improve, which is something I’ve really enjoyed.
“The lads have been brilliant as well and have made me feel welcome from day one, so I’m really enjoying being part of the group and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
With four wins from four and Shaw now off the mark competitively, attention quickly turns towards the next challenge as the Town look to continue their impressive opening to the 2026/27 campaign.