Author Archives: Alfie Humphreys

Shaw: “We Were Determined to Respond in the Right Way”

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.

Match Report: Holywell Town 1-3 Barry Town United

Barry Town United maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season with a 3-1 victory over Holywell Town at the Bartons North Wales Stadium.

Goals from Elliott Dugan, Owen Brain and Jack Shaw secured a fourth consecutive league victory for Steve Jenkins’ side, with Brain producing a moment of magic from a second-half free-kick before Shaw wrapped up the three points deep into stoppage time.

The victory leaves The Town top of the Cymru Premier with four wins from four.

First Half

Holywell got proceedings underway, but it was Barry who created the first real opportunity of the evening.

After winning an early corner, The Town went agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Mikey George’s long ball released Owen Cuddihy down the flank, who cut the ball back into the path of Owen Brain. The midfielder worked himself into space before curling a superb effort towards goal, only to see it crash back off the crossbar.

Barry thought they had found the breakthrough four minutes later. Cuddihy floated an inviting cross into the area and Jadyn Crosbie headed home, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside, with the decision subsequently confirmed following a VAR check.

Sion Spence was next to threaten as he drove into the Holywell penalty area, cut inside and fired narrowly over the crossbar.

Despite Barry’s positive start, it was the hosts who struck first on 15 minutes. Holywell broke quickly on the counter-attack before a composed finish put the Wellmen 1-0 ahead.

The Town responded well and began to apply sustained pressure on the Holywell defence. Josh Bernard’s cross found Crosbie, who held the ball up before laying it into the path of Brain. His first effort was saved before Barry quickly recycled possession, with Spence sending the ball across the area. Brain regained possession, beat two defenders, but was once again denied by the goalkeeper.

Spence then sent a free-kick over the crossbar before Cuddihy tried his luck from distance as Barry continued searching for an equaliser.

The pressure finally paid off on 31 minutes.

Elliott Dugan won Barry a corner which Brain delivered into a crowded penalty area. Holywell struggled to clear their lines and, following a scramble inside the box, Dugan reacted quickest to bundle the ball home and restore parity.

Barry almost completed the turnaround immediately afterwards when Cuddihy delivered another dangerous cross into the area, but neither Spence nor Crosbie could apply the finishing touch.

The visitors continued to push as half-time approached. Dugan, Crosbie and Bernard combined well to win another corner before Theo Wharton produced an excellent long pass to release Cuddihy. Brain eventually took over and drove into the penalty area, but his effort was deflected before Holywell cleared.

Deep into eight minutes of first-half stoppage time, Dugan was released by Crosbie and saw an effort deflected into the goalkeeper’s hands, while Spence also had a late attempt blocked following a Bernard free-kick.

The sides went into the interval level at 1-1.

Second Half

Barry started the second half on the front foot and continued to create opportunities from set-pieces.

Brain forced another corner after taking matters into his own hands in the 50th minute, beating his man before seeing his effort deflected behind at the final moment.

However, the game threatened to swing in Holywell’s favour when the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute, with Bernard shown a yellow card. Following a lengthy VAR check, the original decision stood.

But George Ratcliffe came to Barry’s rescue.

The goalkeeper guessed correctly and produced a superb save low to his right to keep the scores level and deny Holywell the opportunity to regain the lead.

The hosts went close again eight minutes later when they managed to take the ball beyond Ratcliffe, but Bernard recovered brilliantly to clear the ball off the line.

That intervention proved crucial.

Cuddihy produced an excellent run in the 71st minute, winning possession back before driving towards the Holywell penalty area and drawing a foul on the edge of the box.

Up stepped Owen Brain.

The midfielder curled a brilliant free-kick over the wall and beyond the goalkeeper to give Barry a deserved 2-1 lead, adding another memorable goal to his impressive start in a yellow and blue shirt.

Dugan thought he had added a third shortly afterwards when he rounded the goalkeeper and found the net, but the striker was flagged offside.

Holywell began to pile on the pressure as the game entered its closing stages, with Jenkins introducing Daniel Smith before Jack Shaw and Daniel Barton were also brought into the action.

The hosts continued searching for an equaliser, but Barry’s defence stood firm.

Then, four minutes into stoppage time, Jack Shaw put the result beyond doubt.

Shaw raced through one-on-one with the Holywell goalkeeper before emphatically smashing the ball into the back of the net. A VAR check followed, but the goal was confirmed to spark celebrations amongst The Town.

The final whistle eventually sounded with Barry securing a 3-1 victory and another three points on the road.

Four games. Four victories.

A perfect start to the season and top of the Novira Cymru Premier.

Full-Time

Holywell Town 1-3 Barry Town United

⚽ Elliott Dugan
⚽ Owen Brain
⚽ Jack Shaw

Barry Town United

Starting XI: George Ratcliffe, Mikey George, Ellis Williams, Jadyn Crosbie, Owen Brain, Theo Wharton, James Lester, Owen Cuddihy, Josh Bernard, Elliott Dugan, Sion Spence.

Substitutes: Daniel Barton, Rhys Schwank, Daniel Smith, Jack Shaw, Joe Case, Keegan Saunders.

30 Years On: Barry Town’s Finest Hour at Jenner Park

Thirty years ago, Jenner Park witnessed one of the most memorable European nights in Barry Town United history.

On 20 August 1996, Barry welcomed Hungarian side Budapest Vasutas to South Wales for the second leg of their UEFA Cup qualifying round tie.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Hungary, the Town faced an enormous challenge if they were to keep their European adventure alive.

What followed was a night that would go down in Barry Town folklore.

An Uphill Battle

Barry returned to Jenner Park knowing they needed something special.

A capacity crowd of around 2,500 supporters packed into the ground, hoping to witness a famous European comeback.

Player-coach Garry Barnett helped drive the Town forward from the opening stages as Barry searched for the goals they desperately needed.

The breakthrough finally arrived on the stroke of half-time.

Former Cardiff City striker Chris Pike stepped up from the penalty spot after Tony Bird had been brought down inside the area and made no mistake, giving Barry a 1-0 lead on the night and bringing the tie firmly back to life.

If the first goal gave the Town hope, the start of the second half sent Jenner Park into dreamland.

Just a minute after the restart, Pike turned provider. He raced down the right before delivering the ball into the path of Dave O’Gorman, who fired home at the far post.

2-0 Barry.

Suddenly, the Town were in front in the tie on away goals.

The visitors responded, however, and Gabor Egressy scored in the 63rd minute to change the complexion of the contest once again.

Budapest Vasutas now led 4-3 on aggregate, leaving Barry needing another goal to stay alive.

But the Town weren’t finished.

Evans Sends Jenner Park Wild

With 78 minutes on the clock, goalkeeper Pat Mountain, deputising for the suspended Mark Ovendale, launched the ball forward.

Pike flicked it on and substitute Craig Evans raced through before firing into the net.

3-1 Barry. 4-4 on aggregate.

Jenner Park erupted.

After 180 minutes, the two sides could not be separated and the tie headed into extra time.

Barry survived a late push from the Hungarian league runners-up and, after neither side could find the decisive goal, the tie would be settled from the penalty spot.

History From 12 Yards

After producing a remarkable comeback just to keep themselves in the competition, Barry still had one final hurdle to overcome.

The Town held their nerve.

Barry converted four penalties, while Jorge Bognar and Zoltan Bukszegi failed to convert for the visitors.

The comeback was complete.

Barry Town had knocked Budapest Vasutas out of the UEFA Cup.

A team from the League of Wales had overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit against the Hungarian runners-up and produced one of the greatest European results in the club’s history.

The following day’s Irish Times described Barry as being the “toast of Wales”, while its headline declared the victory “Barry Town enjoys its finest hour.”

30 Years On

Three decades later, the story of that night remains part of the fabric of Jenner Park.

From Pike’s first-half penalty to O’Gorman’s strike, Evans’ dramatic equaliser and the tension of the penalty shootout, it was a European night that had everything.

For the 2,500 supporters packed inside Jenner Park, it was a night to remember.

For Barry Town, it was a night that helped establish the club’s reputation on the European stage during one of the greatest periods in its history.

20 August 1996.

Barry Town 3-1 Budapest Vasutas (4-4 on aggregate).

Barry Town win on penalties.

Thirty years on, one of Jenner Park’s greatest European nights will never be forgotten.

Match Preview: Holywell Town FC vs Barry Town United

Barry Town United make the long journey to north Wales on Friday evening as Steve Jenkins’ side take on newly promoted Holywell Town at Barton’s North Wales Stadium.

The Town head into Matchday Four with a 100% record in the Novira Cymru Premier and will be looking to make it four wins from four under the lights.

Barry opened the campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Cambrian United at Jenner Park before coming from behind to claim all three points in a thrilling 3-2 win away at Flint Town United.

Last weekend, The Town continued their impressive start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Met at Jenner Park, making it nine points from a possible nine.

Attention now turns to another trip north as Barry look to keep their perfect start going against a Holywell side searching for their first points of the campaign.

The Opposition

Nickname: The Wellmen
Founded: 1880
Manager: Johnny Haseldin
Distance from Jenner Park: 169 miles (Google Maps)

Holywell Town are back amongst the elite of Welsh domestic football, competing in the Cymru Premier for the first time in 27 years.

The Wellmen earned promotion following an impressive 2025/26 campaign in the Cymru North, finishing third with 60 points to secure their place in the expanded Novira Cymru Premier.

Life back in the top flight has proven difficult so far, with Johnny Haseldin’s side still searching for their first points of the new season.

Holywell began their campaign with a tough trip to Cardiff Met, where they suffered a 6-1 defeat against The Archers. Their first home fixture of the season followed against Connah’s Quay Nomads, with the visitors leaving with a 3-1 victory.

Most recently, The Wellmen travelled to Llandudno, where they were again beaten 3-1.

There was, however, a piece of history for Mark Winslade, who found the back of the net for Holywell. His goal saw him become the first player to score for The Wellmen across tiers one, two and three of Welsh football.

With Holywell eager to get their first points on the board and Barry looking to extend their winning start, an intriguing Friday night encounter awaits in north Wales.

Match Details

📅 Date: Friday 21st August 2026
🏟️ Venue: Barton’s North Wales Stadium
⏰ Kick-off: 19:45
🎟️ Match Tickets: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=19879

How to Follow

If you can’t make the trip to north Wales on Friday, you can still keep up with all the action throughout the evening.

We’ll be providing live match updates across our official X, Facebook and Instagram channels.

Supporters can also watch the fixture live on the Cymru Football TV App. Individual match passes are available for £8.99, while a Season Pass costs £100, providing access to every Novira Cymru Premier match throughout the 2026/27 campaign.

A full match report will also be available on the Barry Town United website on Saturday morning. 

Match Report: Barry Town United 1-0 Cardiff Met

Barry Town United continued their perfect start to the Novira Cymru Premier season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Met at Jenner Park.

Daniel Smith proved to be the match-winner for The Town, heading home the rebound after Jack Shaw saw his late penalty saved, as Steve Jenkins’ side made it three wins from three to start the new league campaign.

First Half

Cardiff Met got the game underway, but it was Barry who looked to make the early running. George Ratcliffe’s long ball forward gave Elliott Dugan the opportunity to put goalkeeper Arron Davies under pressure in the fourth minute, but the Met stopper gathered safely.

The Town won their first corner four minutes later following good work from Jadyn Crosbie down the right. Owen Brain played it short, combining with Sion Spence and Joshua Bernard, before the visitors eventually cleared.

Met threatened from a set-piece in the 11th minute, with Ratcliffe punching the delivery away before Brain completed the clearance. The Barry goalkeeper required treatment shortly afterwards but was able to continue.

Barry began to produce some neat football as the half developed. Mikey George showed excellent footwork to beat his man before finding Bernard, whose attempted shot-cross struck Dugan, who was in an offside position.

Theo Wharton and Brain then combined well before Brain’s deflected cross fell to Spence, whose inviting delivery drifted beyond the goalkeeper and out of play.

Brain was at the heart of much of Barry’s attacking play and produced a superb outside-of-the-boot pass to release Owen Cuddihy down the left. His cross was deflected away before it could reach Dugan, with the resulting corner punched clear by Davies.

Cardiff Met’s Sam Jones was shown the first yellow card of the afternoon in the 27th minute following an aerial collision with James Lester.

A minute later came Barry’s first clear sight of goal. Crosbie found space and unleashed a powerful effort, but his strike continued to rise and cleared the crossbar.

Met responded almost immediately when Fumpa Mwandwe found himself with an opportunity from close range, but his effort went over Ratcliffe’s goal.

Wharton then won possession just outside the Cardiff Met penalty area and found Dugan, whose first-time effort was comfortably gathered by Davies.

The visitors were forced into an early change in the 36th minute, with Ryan Reynolds making way for Myles McKenzie.

Chances became limited as the interval approached, although Dugan saw a dangerous cross cleared following a quick Barry break before Jack Veale’s attempted overhead kick at the other end failed to trouble Ratcliffe.

The two sides therefore went into the break level.

Half-time: Barry Town United 0-0 Cardiff Met

Second Half

Barry restarted the contest, but Met created the first opportunity of the second period. A shot inside the Barry penalty area was blocked by George before Jones headed the resulting corner wide.

The Town immediately responded. Brain’s long pass found Bernard, who moved the ball onto George. The defender took on his man before firing an effort towards goal, but Davies was equal to it.

Barry continued to apply pressure, winning successive corners through Brain, but the visitors’ defence stood firm.

At the other end, Ratcliffe was called into action just before the hour mark. Mwandwe cut inside from the left and sent a curling effort towards goal which looked destined for the net, only for the Barry goalkeeper to produce an excellent save and tip the ball over the crossbar.

Jenkins made his first change on the hour, introducing Jack Shaw in place of Crosbie.

Met continued to threaten, with Toby Raison heading wide before a promising attack broke down when Cuddihy made an important interception inside the Barry penalty area.

Barry made a double change in the 66th minute as Daniel Barton and Daniel Smith replaced Brain and Dugan.

Shaw almost made an immediate impact. The substitute broke free and drove into the Met penalty area before sending his effort narrowly over the crossbar in the 69th minute.

He threatened again moments later, only for James Clarke to make a well-timed challenge before Shaw could get his shot away.

The Town were beginning to turn up the pressure. Spence delivered a series of corners into the Met penalty area, with Smith seeing one header gathered by Davies.

Shaw continued to cause problems with his direct running, while Smith saw an effort deflected behind as Barry searched for the breakthrough.

That breakthrough finally arrived following another Spence corner in the 78th minute. After Met initially dealt with the delivery, Barton was brought down inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Shaw stepped up to take the penalty, but Davies produced the save. The danger wasn’t over, however, as the ball looped into the air and Daniel Smith reacted quickest to head home the rebound and put Barry 1-0 ahead in the 80th minute.

Cardiff Met pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but Barry’s defence stood strong.

Ratcliffe comfortably claimed a long ball into his area before dealing with a Met free-kick in the 87th minute. George then produced an important challenge to stop a potential counter-attack before Ellis Williams headed another dangerous delivery clear.

Five minutes of additional time were indicated, but Barry remained organised as Met continued to push bodies forward.

The Town almost sealed the points in the 93rd minute when Bernard produced an excellent run into the penalty area, cut back onto his left foot and sent his effort just over the top corner.

Met had one final opportunity when Clarke headed over from close range, but Barry held on to secure another three points and preserve their perfect start to the league season.

Full-time: Barry Town United 1-0 Cardiff Met

Barry Town United

Starting XI: George Ratcliffe, Mikey George, Ellis Williams, Jadyn Crosbie, Owen Brain, Theo Wharton, James Lester, Owen Cuddihy, Joshua Bernard, Elliott Dugan, Sion Spence.

Substitutes: Daniel Barton, Rhys Schwank, Daniel Smith, Jack Shaw, Case, Saunders.

Cardiff Met

Starting XI: Arron Davies, Jack Veale, James Clarke, Ryan Reynolds, CJ Craven, Jasper Payne, Sam Jones, Fumpa Mwandwe, Spencer Dymond-Hall, Aaron Wildig, Toby Raison.

Substitutes: Will Howard, Tom English, Bailey Gaughan, Myles McKenzie, Harri John, Ollie Good, Harrison Matthews.

Owen Brain: “We’ve Got a Lot More to Show”

Owen Brain believes Barry Town United have plenty more to come as The Town prepare to welcome Cardiff Met to Jenner Park on Saturday afternoon.

The summer signing made the perfect start to life in the Novira Cymru Premier last Friday, scoring twice on his competitive debut as Barry secured a dramatic 3-2 victory away at Flint Town United.

With the scores level heading into the closing stages, Brain stepped up to score the winner and ensure Steve Jenkins’ side made the long journey back to South Wales with all three points.

Reflecting on the victory, Brain was pleased to have played his part in securing another important win for The Town.

“Yeah, it made the long journey worth it. It was a bit of a scrappy game and it was going to take a bit of quality from either side to get the points, and I’m glad I could provide that for the team.”

After being unable to feature in Barry’s opening league fixture against Cambrian United, Brain was delighted to mark his first competitive appearance in yellow and blue with two goals.

“I was frustrated I couldn’t play the opening fixture for reasons out of my control, but it made it all worth it scoring two goals on my debut, so I can’t complain.”

Barry have started the new campaign with maximum points from their opening two fixtures, with late winners proving decisive in victories over both Cambrian United and Flint Town United.

Despite the perfect start, Brain believes there is still plenty more to come from a squad that welcomed several new faces through the doors at Jenner Park during the summer.

“I feel like as a group we’ve got a lot more to show. Lots of new additions means we’re only going to get better.

“I think it shows the character we have in the dressing room, to not necessarily play well but grind out two good wins with two late winners.”

Attention now turns to Saturday as The Town return to Jenner Park for the visit of Cardiff Met.

Both sides head into the fixture having won their opening two league games, setting up an exciting encounter between two unbeaten sides.

For Brain, having a strong Barry following behind the team could make a significant difference as The Town look to make Jenner Park a difficult place for opposition sides to visit this season.

“Fans at any level play a massive part at home. It sounds cliché, but it really does give you another few percent.

“We don’t want to give teams an easy game coming to our place. We want to be hard to beat, and the fans have a big part in that.”

Barry Town United host Cardiff Met at Jenner Park on Saturday 15th August, with kick-off at 12:30pm.

Match Tickets

🎟️ Secure your place at Jenner Park:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=20836

Match Preview: Barry Town United vs Cardiff Met FC

Barry Town United return to Jenner Park this Saturday as The Town welcome local rivals Cardiff Met in the Novira Cymru Premier.

Both sides head into the fixture with perfect records after winning their opening two league games of the 2026/27 campaign. The Archers currently sit top of the table, while The Town occupy third place heading into Saturday’s clash.

Steve Jenkins’ side will be looking to make it three wins from three in front of the Barry faithful, following victories over Cambrian United and Flint Town United.

The Opposition

Nickname: The Archers
Founded: 1957
Manager: Ryan Jenkins
Distance from Jenner Park: 12.8 miles (Google Maps)

Cardiff Met have made an impressive start to the new campaign, opening their season with a convincing 6-1 victory at home to newly promoted Holywell Town.

Jasper Payne was the standout performer for The Archers, scoring a perfect hat-trick as Met began the season in style.

They followed that result with another victory on their travels, making the trip to north Wales to face fellow newly promoted side Airbus UK Broughton and returning home with all three points following a 2-0 win.

The Archers strengthened their squad ahead of the new season with several additions, including former Morecambe and Newport County midfielder Aaron Wildig, as well as Jack Veale.

With both teams yet to drop a point this season, Saturday’s fixture promises to be an exciting encounter at Jenner Park.

Match Details

📅 Date: Saturday 15th August 2026
🏟️ Venue: Jenner Park Stadium
⏰ Kick-off: 12:30
🎟️ Match Tickets: Buy your tickets here

Saturday’s fixture will also be the first match of the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season to receive BBC Wales coverage, following a new agreement with the FAW.

The match will be available to watch live and free on BBC iPlayer, giving supporters across Wales the opportunity to watch The Town in action.

With a big crowd expected at Jenner Park, Head Coach Steve Jenkins is hoping the Barry faithful turn out in numbers.

“It will be fantastic if we can break a thousand.”
— Steve Jenkins

A full interview with Barry Town United Head Coach Steve Jenkins will be available to watch and read across our channels in the coming days.

How to Follow

If you can’t make it to Jenner Park on Saturday, you can still keep up with all the action throughout the afternoon.

We’ll be providing live match updates across our official X, Facebook and Instagram channels.

The match will also be shown live and free on BBC iPlayer.

Supporters can also watch the fixture live on the Cymru Football TV App. Individual match passes are available for £8.99, while a Season Pass costs £100, providing access to every Novira Cymru Premier match throughout the 2026/27 campaign.

A full match report will also be available on the Barry Town United website following the final whistle.

Get down to Jenner Park and back The Town as we look to make it three wins from three!

Barry Town United Seeking Matchday Steward & Gate Operations Volunteers

Barry Town United are looking to expand our matchday team with the recruitment of Matchday Steward & Gate Operations Volunteers at Jenner Park.

With the club continuing to develop both on and off the pitch, we are looking for friendly, reliable and enthusiastic individuals who can help us provide a safe, welcoming and professional experience for everyone attending Barry Town United home fixtures.

The Role

Matchday volunteers will play an important part in the smooth running of fixtures at Jenner Park, supporting the club with stadium entry, spectator safety and general matchday operations.

Responsibilities will include welcoming supporters, checking match and season tickets, operating ticket scanning and cashless payment systems, assisting with ticketing enquiries and helping to manage queues and entry points.

Volunteers will also support stewarding operations around the ground by directing spectators, providing information and assistance, monitoring spectator behaviour and helping to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment. The role may also involve assisting visitors, disabled supporters and vulnerable individuals when required.

Who Are We Looking For?

No previous football experience is essential. We are looking for individuals who are:

  • Friendly and approachable
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Confident communicating with members of the public
  • Able to remain calm under pressure
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Willing to use digital ticketing and cashless payment systems
  • Team players who can act as positive ambassadors for Barry Town United

Previous experience in customer service, stewarding or events would be beneficial, while First Aid qualifications, knowledge of football matchday operations and Welsh language skills are also desirable.

Time Commitment

The role requires approximately 3–5 hours per home fixture, alongside attendance at occasional volunteer briefings or training sessions.

What We Offer

Joining our matchday team is a great opportunity to get involved behind the scenes at Barry Town United and contribute directly to the club and local community.

Volunteers will receive matchday refreshments and food, training and support, as well as valuable experience in event operations and customer service within a welcoming volunteer environment.

Interested in joining the team?

Email daley.chapman@barrytown.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming new faces to our matchday team at Jenner Park.

JOB DESCRIPTIONDownload

Match Report: Flint Town United 2-3 Barry Town United

Owen Brain struck twice, including an 89th-minute winner, as Barry Town United came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Flint Town United at the Essity Stadium.

Elliott Dugan gave The Town an early lead before goals from Joe Malkin and Harry Dean turned the game around for the hosts. Brain levelled shortly after half-time before popping up in the closing stages to secure all three points for Barry.

First Half

Barry started positively and created their first opening after four minutes when Owen Brain’s corner was gathered by the Flint goalkeeper.

Just two minutes later, The Town had the breakthrough. Elliott Dugan found the back of the net in the sixth minute to give Barry an early 1-0 lead.

However, Flint were handed an opportunity to respond when the referee awarded the hosts a penalty in the 10th minute. Following a VAR check, the decision stood and Joe Malkin converted from the spot two minutes later to make it 1-1.

Barry looked to regain their advantage immediately. Owen Cuddihy produced a brilliant run down the flank before seeing his initial effort blocked and his second attempt cleared.

Brain was next to threaten, with his 16th-minute strike deflected behind for a corner. He stepped up to take the resulting set-piece, but the short-corner routine came to nothing.

The hosts completed the turnaround in the 24th minute. After another VAR check confirmed the referee’s decision, Harry Dean found the net to put Flint 2-1 ahead.

Despite trailing, Barry continued to see plenty of the ball and applied pressure, but a well-organised Flint defence made chances difficult to come by.

Flint threatened from a corner in the 36th minute, although the ball eventually found the side-netting.

Barry then enjoyed a promising spell. Cuddihy did well down the left before finding Sion Spence, whose effort dragged wide. Mikey George then produced an excellent run and combined with Spence before the ball eventually fell to Dugan, who fired over the crossbar.

Captain Callum Sainty tried his luck from the edge of the area shortly afterwards, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by the Flint goalkeeper.

Dugan required treatment after an aerial challenge in the 41st minute but was able to continue.

Flint came agonisingly close to extending their advantage two minutes later when an effort crashed against the crossbar, with Barry somehow escaping without conceding a third.

Four minutes of additional time were indicated, and Spence had the final opportunity of the half when he fired over the bar.

Half-time: Flint Town United 2-1 Barry Town United

Second Half

Barry came out looking for a response after the break, with Brain delivering a cross into the penalty area in the 49th minute which was claimed by the Flint goalkeeper.

Dugan then produced a driving run into the box before Spence saw an effort deflected and cleared.

Flint responded with two opportunities of their own, but George Ratcliffe was called into action twice in quick succession, first denying a shot from inside the area before keeping out a header moments later.

Those saves proved important as Barry drew level in the 54th minute.

Owen Brain found the back of the net to make it 2-2 and bring The Town right back into the contest.

Sainty required treatment shortly after the equaliser but was able to carry on.

Brain continued to cause problems for the Flint defence and delivered an excellent cross from the left in the 62nd minute, but Spence was unable to get the decisive touch.

Steve Jenkins made his first change a minute later as Jack Shaw replaced Jadyn Crosbie.

Barry continued to search for a third, with another Brain corner travelling through the penalty area before eventually being cleared.

A second change followed in the 69th minute, with Daniel Smith replacing opening goalscorer Dugan.

Flint then began to build momentum and Barry needed a crucial intervention from Will Richards in the 71st minute, with the defender clearing off the line following a scramble inside the box.

The hosts went close again three minutes later when a dangerous cross somehow evaded everyone inside the Barry penalty area.

At the other end, Smith went down inside the box in the 80th minute, but the referee waved away Barry’s appeals.

Shaw was shown a yellow card two minutes later for a high boot before Smith also entered the referee’s book in the 87th minute.

Then came the decisive moment.

With just a minute of normal time remaining, Sainty’s initial effort from close range was saved, but Brain was quickest to react to the rebound and bundled the ball home to send Barry 3-2 ahead.

It was Brain’s second goal of the evening and completed an impressive second-half turnaround for The Town.

Six additional minutes were indicated, giving Flint one final opportunity to rescue something from the contest.

Ratcliffe produced another important save in the 91st minute to deny a Flint effort from inside the penalty area, before Smith went down in the opposite box three minutes later while attempting to get a shot away, but once again no penalty was awarded.

Barry saw out the remaining minutes to secure a dramatic victory on the road and continue their winning start to the Novira Cymru Premier campaign.

Full-time: Flint Town United 2-3 Barry Town United

Barry Town United Starting XI

31. George Ratcliffe
2. Michael George
3. Ellis Williams
4. Callum Sainty (C)
9. Jadyn Crosbie
10. Owen Brain
15. Theo Wharton
17. Owen Cuddihy
20. Elliott Dugan
23. Sion Spence
24. Will Richards

Substitutes: Joe Thomas (GK), Daniel Smith, James Lester, Joshua Bernard, Jack Shaw, Joseph Case, Keegan Saunders.

Barry substitutions:
63′ – Jack Shaw replaced Jadyn Crosbie
69′ – Daniel Smith replaced Elliott Dugan

Goals: Elliott Dugan 6′, Owen Brain 54′, 89′