Following 8 very successful years with Barry Town, Chris Hugh will depart the club
Chris, a pivotal signing in the summer of 2016, made 218 appearances, scored 14 goals, lifted 4 trophies, secured 2 promotions and qualified for European football on two occasions.
Chris also enjoyed a successful Futsal career, where he captained the Wales national side – scoring the winning goal for Wales in a 3-2 away win over Sweden in Visby in 2017.
Of course, Chris also frequently represented his club at Wales ‘C’ level, and was first selected for Wales ‘C’ duty in March 2018 – in a match against England at Jenner Park.
His competitive debut for Barry was in the 2-0 league win over Undy Athletic on 18th August 2016 at Jenner Park. Winning promotion to the Cymru Premier for 2017-18, Chris featured in our first league win over The New Saints in over 18 years.
Our 1-0 victory on 4 November 2017 was a long time coming, following our previous victory in Llansantffraid over the then named Total Network Solutions way back in August 1999.
Indeed, Hugh’s eight away matches at Park Hall include our two victories, and the three 2-2 draws.
Chris has been an ever present player at Left Back during his time, scoring some wonderful goals. Not only an exceptional footballer but a fantastic person who is idolised at our club.
Seen by many as the best left back at the club since Gary Lloyd, it’s a pleasure to call him one of our own.
Thanks for everything Chris, we have been blessed to have you at our club for so long.
A presentation will be made to Chris at tonight’s awards evening; you can purchase tickets here for an opportunity to say goodbye.
Watch: Chris Hugh with the assist for Kayne McLaggon’s goal as we topped the table in December 2018.
15 May 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of our era-defining Welsh Cup victory at the National Stadium in Cardiff.
Sunday 15 May 1994 was the culmination of a season of toil that saw Barry Town claim the Welsh Cup, the Abacus Welsh League Division One championship, the FAW Trophy and the Cyril Rogers Cup.
The lads pictured at the Copthorne Hotel in their unbadged, unsponsored all-yellow ‘Spall Sports’ kit. Back row: T.Boyle; D.Withers; S.Morris; K.Bertschin. Middle row: P. O’Halloran; C.Gill; D.D’Auria; T. Threfall; P.Sanderson; P.Williams; P. ‘Chippy’ Colbourne. Front Row: A.Griffiths; B.Smith; A.Beattie; C.Lilygreen; S.Hookings; P.Wimbleton.
In fact, it was such a long season, the curtain was dropped on the South Wales Senior Cup at the Semi Final stage, so we were denied a clean-sweep of a domestic quintuple. The quadruple had to suffice.
Yet, the season also ended with promotion to the new(ish) national league, the League of Wales (now the Cymru Premier, of course) and entry to our first ever European competition, the Cup Winners’ Cup.
How we did it
Drawing Abercynon at Jenner Park in the 1st Round, goals from Dai Withers and David D’Auria ensured Town went through to the 2nd Round with the 2-0 victory.
Caerau Athletic proved to be tougher opposition, holding us 1-1, with the Town goal courtesy of Dai Withers once again. The Replay came a few days later at Jenner Park where Caerau again pushed us all the way, but a brace goals from David D’Auria and a debut goal for Adrian Harding gave us a hard-earned 3-2 victory.
Back then, the Welsh Cup 3rd Round was where the likes of Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Wrexham would traditionally make an appearance. We drew League of Wales’ 1992-93 inaugural Champions Cwmbran Town, while Cardiff beat Afan Lido, Swansea beat Merthyr after a replay, and Wrexham defeated Carno at the Racecourse.
Goals from Bobby Smith, Terry Boyle and Dai Withers accounted for Cwmbran Town 3-1, which set us up nicely for a 4th Round tie with Holywell Town in our first ever meeting.
Swansea defeated Rhyl 2-1 at Belle Vue, while Cardiff City beat Wrexham 2-0 up at the Racecourse. We swept past Holywell 4-0 with a brace from Chris Lilygreen with D’Auria and Withers also scoring.
The Quarter Finals
The Quarter Finals saw us potentially pitted against Bangor, Inter Cardiff, Flint Town, Ebbw Vale, Cardiff City, Swansea City or Hereford United.
Dai Withers scored the only goal of the match on 12 February, to place Barry Town in the Semi Finals of the Welsh Cup for the first time since the 1990-91 season. Ebbw Vale had taken Cardiff to a replay, but it was the Bluebirds who eventually won out 3-0 at Ninian Park, while Swansea had edged out Hereford 1-0 at the Vetch. Bangor had also been taken to a replay by Inter Cardiff, but went through 1-0.
The Semi Finals
With now only 4 teams remaining in the competition, and with the fixtures being played over two legs, Town would face the daunting challenge of Bangor City, Cardiff City or Swansea City. We edged past Bangor City 2-1 on aggregate, with David D’Auria scoring our goal at Farrar Road in a 1-1 draw, while Keith Bertschin, a recent signing from Solihull, bagged the goal in our 1-0 win at Jenner Park.
Cardiff City had eased past Swansea City 6-2 over 2 legs (they lost 2-1 at the Vetch, but won 4-1 at Ninian), so the stage was set for the first-ever Barry Town versus Cardiff City Welsh Cup Final.
The 1994 Welsh Cup Final was printed in numbers and is still pretty easy to pick up as a physical memento of the occasion, featuring full colour images, interviews and history.
The Welsh Cup Final 1994
‘Dad’s Army’ they said.
True, our squad, pieced together by Neil O’Halloran after his unpopular decision to bring the club back into Welsh competition, was full of players with ‘experience’. Alan Curtis was already 40 and our gaffer, Andy Beattie, wasn’t too far behind. Surely, the tempo of City on the day, and with that day set to be a hot one, our lads will struggle against the professionals at Cardiff? Well, it’s what the papers reckoned, anyway.
Cardiff had already taken out Swansea City in the Semis and Wrexham in the Quarters, so they were clear favourites.
Of course, Town would run out 2-1 winners on the day, marking the club’s first Welsh Cup win since 1955. In 1994, a Welsh Cup win 39 years previously seemed ancient, if magnificent, history. It’s hard to believe that victory itself is now 30 years ago today.
The Future
For Barry Town, nothing would quite be the same again. It was the dawn of a new era in many ways – even if almost the entire squad would be replaced overnight – and the club would build on this success for the next 10 years or so, domestically, and in Europe.
Team photo, featuring the FAW Trophy, the Welsh Cup, the Cyril Rogers Cup and the Welsh League trophy.
After 8 fantastic years Mike Lewis is set to depart the club.
Mike has been a huge part of our club since first signing in the Summer of 2016 making 225 appearances, lifting 4 trophies, securing 2 promotions and qualifying for Europe twice.
His competitive debut for Barry was in the 2-0 home league win over Undy Athletic on 18th August 2016, keeping a clean sheet in his first game.
It was a good omen, with Mike keeping six consecutive clean sheets in his opening six league and cup games, helping us to reach the Nathaniel MG League Cup final that season and earning promotion to the Cymru Premier as Welsh League Champions.
In total, Mike earned 21 clean sheets in that first season going on to make 70 in his Barry career.
A significant clean sheet for Mike came in our return to Europe in the home game against Cliftonville in Summer 2019, with Barry drawing 0-0 against the Belfast club.
Not only a fantastic Goalkeeper but a wonderful role model to our young ‘keepers across the club and a supporters’ favourite whose presence around the club will be missed.
Thanks for everything Mike, wishing you all the very best on your next adventure.
A presentation will be made to Mike at next week’s Awards Evening. You can buy tickets for an opportunity to say a deserved goodbye.
After ten seasons Jordan Cotterill will leave the club at the end of the season.
Jordan a former Captain has been a huge part of our club since signing in February 2013, making 271 appearances, scoring 92 goals across 3 divisions, lifting 5 trophies, securing 3 promotions and qualifying for Europe twice.
His record speaks for itself but above all of that his loyalty during our most difficult times in 2013 will forever be remembered and appreciated.
Jordan’s 30 goal tally in the 2013/14 season was the most goals a player has scored since the great Eifion Williams in the 1998/99 season.
On top of this, Jordan was the first player to score a Cymru Premier hat trick for Barry Town in 2019 since Jamie Moralee’s in the 2001/02 season.
Jordan’s departure means Saturday’s game v Aberystwyth will be his last home game for our club.
We encourage supporters to come out to support the lads for our final home game of the season and show their appreciation for the incredible loyalty and service Jordan has shown us.
For a full review of Jordan’s time with the club and many a nostalgic story please be sure to buy Saturday’s Matchday Programme.
Jenner Park, Barry / JD Cymru Premier / Friday 23 February 2024
A 1-1 draw with Haverfordwest County last Friday leaves Barry in ninth place in the Cymru Premier, five points away from the play-off place in seventh, and six points clear of the relegation zone.
Barry took the lead just after the hour mark, and looked to have won a valuable three points, but were pegged back by the visitors with a 96th minute equaliser.
Haverfordwest’s Jack Wilson had the first real chance of the game, his 17th minute shot going across the face of the Barry goal.
Moments later, Mike Lewis, making his first appearance since injury in September, pulled off a spectacular reaction save from a close range header, preventing an almost certain goal.
At the other end, Keenan Patten’s cross took a deflection which forced visiting ‘keeper, Zac Jones, to tip the ball over the bar.
Jones was again called into action when a Rhys Davies shot forced him into a low full-length dive to his right, and when Jordan Cotterill’s effort on the turn saw him push the shot away from the top corner.
Haverfordwest were awarded a penalty just before the break when Dan Hawkins was fouled in the box, but Kai Whitmore’s low penalty was well saved by Lewis, Whitmore putting the rebound over the bar.
Barry took the lead after 62 minutes. Michael George fired a low cross from the right which Haverfordwest’s Jazz Richards turned into his own net under pressure from Keenan Patten.
However, late in injury time, Whitmore shrugged off a number of Barry challenges, passing to the right. Rio Dyer’s cross picked out Rhys Abbruzzesse, who headed home at the far post to earn the visitors a point.
Barry travel to Aberystwyth Town on Saturday, 2nd March for a crucial match to stay away from the relegation zone, before entertaining Colwyn Bay at Jenner Park on Saturday, 9th March (2:30pm).
Barry were held to a 2-2 draw as the 10-man Penybont came from behind twice in Phase Two of the JD Cymru Premier.
Aiden Lewis gave the visitors the lead into the break and Sam Snaith added to his season tally in the second half, separated by second half equalisers from Kane Owen and Keyon Reffell.
Lewis opened the scoring on 18 minutes after one-way traffic with Ollie Hulburt selflessly pulling back to the advancing midfielder for his first goal of the season.
Owen levelled the game from the spot for Penybont after 64 minutes following Keyon Reffell being brought down by Luc Rees in an arial challenge.
Snaith regained the lead after 71 minutes for the Town with a devastating counter-attack resulting in a header from close range from a Rhys Davies cross.
Reffell was involved once again when Penybont equalised for a second time, this time the end product of a deep cross, sliding home from close range.
Penybont were led to fightback from a 1-0 deficit with 10-men for the majority of the game, Chris Venables was shown a straight red for an off-the-ball incident involving Will Richards in the 24th minute.
Evan Press was the difference between a point and a late comeback as he produced a goalline block from a drilled effort with just 10 minutes to play and the momentum having swung in favour of the 10-men.
Barry were the quickest out the blocks, it took only 27 seconds for the Town to stamp their mark into the game. A Keenan Patten switch to Mike George returning the favour following Patten’s darting run into the box before heading over. Just a minute later, Hulburt found himself firing wide with an effort from inside the 18-yard box.
Hulburt went close again as Barry were boasting all the big chances inside the first 15 minutes. A long, high ball had Hulburt beating the ‘bont defenders heading his one-on-one effort off the woodwork.
The Town’s leading goal scorer had another chance to add to his season tally early in the second half after total domination in the opening period; Davies’ pull back blazed over the bar from close range.
Barry had limited defending to do in the opening half and their first test came from the hosts’ Shaun MacDonald glancing a header wide from a corner early in the second half.
Penybont grew into the game as they equalised for a second time after all momentum appeared sucked out of them following Snaith’s goal, only for the Press-denying chance the difference between a point and none for the visitors in the end.
Jenner Park, Barry / JD Cymru Premier / Saturday 3 February 2024
Phase Two of the Cymru Premier season got off to the worst possible start for Barry, who were well beaten at home by Pontypridd.
Despite a strong line-up, Barry lacked the sharpness and competitive edge needed to take three points.
The result leaves Town in ninth place, five points behind a play-off place but also only seven points away from a relegation spot.
Barry came to close to scoring after six minutes when Lucas Tomlinson’s shot from the edge of the box cannoned off a defender and wide of the goal.
However, the visitors took a fifteenth minute lead through striker Ben Ahmun.
A long ball over the top saw Barry goalkeeper Luc Rees come to clear, only to lose the race to the Ponty striker, who lifted the ball over Rees before slotting into the empty net.
Five minutes later, Barry came close to equalising, with Sam Snaith knocking the ball down and Oli Hulbert firing across the face of the goal from the edge of the box.
After an hour, Ahmun nearly doubled his tally, outpacing the Barry defence but shooting across goal, rather than on target.
Nevertheless, Ponty made it 2-0 a few minutes later. Owain Jones saw his shot saved by Luc Rees, but scored from close range from the resulting corner, getting in front of the Barry defence to head home.
The visitors continued to push, with Keston Davies going close from a free-kick which went just wide, and Luc Rees saving his effort from close range.
Eventually the pressure told, and Pontypridd scored a third. Barry gave up possession cheaply in midfield and, although Luc Rees saved the initial shot from Ahmun, the ball stayed in play and fell to Owain Pritchard, who netted comfortably.
Barry travel to Penybont on Saturday 10 February for a 12:45pm kick-off, with the match being screened live online by Sgorio.
Barry Town United confirm a change to their on field management structure, Steve Jenkins will become Director of Football and first team coach at the club due to work commitments.
As a result of this change Jonathan Jones will become our new First Team Men’s Head Coach and Damian Flynn our Assistant.
We’re very much looking forward to Phase Two kick off this Saturday at home to Pontypridd United.
Barry Town United can confirm that Troy Greening has today departed the club by mutual consent following an incredible 11 years service.
The Town’s stalwart played 224 games for the club, netting 17 goals from midfield during his time.
After debuting at Pontardawe Town back in 2013, Greening has since won four promotions, winning four league titles and qualifying for Europe twice in his 11-year tenure. He has seen it all and more with our club.
A central figure and key cog in the system for Barry for a number of years, the Town’s number eight made 11 appearances this season.
After 21 appearances in last season’s Cymru South winning campaign, Greening played his landmark 200th game for the club in December 2022 against Cwmbran Celtic, the same opposition he played his 100th Town match against in 2017.
We’d like to thank Troy for his time, efforts, loyalty and dedication to our club and we wish him and his family the best in his future. You’ll always be welcome in the stands at Jenner Park Troy.
