Category Archives: Match Preview

Match Preview: Barry Town United vs Cambrian United FC

Barry Town United begin their 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier campaign on Friday night as league newcomers Cambrian United make the trip to Jenner Park for a 19:45 kick-off.

The Cam Army arrive in Barry after earning promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history, having finished second in the 2025/26 Cymru South.

The Town will be looking to carry their impressive pre-season form into the new campaign after winning five of their six friendly fixtures during the summer. Steve Jenkins’ side now enter their fourth consecutive season in the Cymru Premier following promotion from the Cymru South in 2022/23.

After league finishes of ninth, seventh and an impressive third place over the past three seasons, Barry will be aiming to build on last year’s success and challenge even higher in 2026/27.

The Opposition

Nickname: The Cam Army
Founded: 1883
Manager: Liam Williams
Distance from Jenner Park: 20.5 miles (Google Maps)

Cambrian United are preparing for the biggest season in the club’s history as they make their Cymru Premier debut.

The Rhondda side secured promotion after finishing second in the Cymru South last season, collecting 76 points from 30 league matches. Their impressive campaign included 24 victories as they earned a place in Welsh football’s top division.

The two sides met most recently in the Nathaniel MG Cup semi-final last December, with Barry Town United progressing thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory. Goals from Will Richards, Ollie Hulbert and Ben Margetson secured The Town’s place in the final. 

Manager Liam Williams has overseen Cambrian United since July 2024. During his time in charge, the 35-year-old has led the club in 75 matches, winning 46 of them, culminating in a historic promotion to the Cymru Premier.

Friday’s fixture marks the first of two league meetings between the clubs this season, with the return fixture scheduled for Friday 6th November at Cambrian’s M&P Group 3G home in Clydach.

This game has also been chosen by Sgorio and will be shown live across S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and Sgorio’s YouTube channel.

Match Details

📅 Date: Friday 31st July 2026
🏟️ Venue: Jenner Park Stadium
⏰ Kick-off: 19:45

🎟️ Match Tickets:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=20832

With the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season now just days away, there’s still time to secure your Barry Town United Season Ticket and join us at Jenner Park throughout the campaign.

Make sure you’re with us every step of the way and #BackTheTown.

🎟️ Season Tickets:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/SeasonTickets/SelectClubTicket?clubId=321&SaleWindowId=20404

Match Preview: Barry Town United vs Gloucester City AFC

Barry Town United round off their pre-season campaign on Saturday afternoon as Gloucester City AFC make the trip to Jenner Park.

The Town have enjoyed a perfect summer schedule so far, winning all five of their pre-season fixtures as preparations continue for the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season.

Town head into their final friendly on the back of an entertaining 3-2 victory away at Weymouth on 18th July. A brace from Elliott Dugan, alongside a goal from new signing Owen Brain, gave The Town a commanding three-goal advantage before the hosts threatened a late comeback. Barry held firm to secure their fifth successive pre-season victory.

🎥 Watch the highlights: https://youtu.be/VLLE5H0YihU?si=hboXPmwTNDWeGuC_

The Opposition

Nickname: The Tigers
Founded: 1883
Manager: Dafydd Williams
League: Southern League Premier Division

Gloucester City return for another campaign in the Southern League Premier Division after narrowly missing out on promotion last season. Under the guidance of young Welsh manager Dafydd Williams, The Tigers will be aiming to go one better this time around.

Williams strengthened his squad over the summer with the additions of Morgan Lewis, Tom Owen-Evans, Jake Evans, Ben Nugent, Jack Clarke, Ethan Dunbar, Harry Williams, Jack Bearne and Ashley Hemmings.

Pre-Season Results

  • Tuffley Rovers 0-0 Gloucester City /
  • Gloucester City 4-1 Bristol Manor Farm /
  • Gloucester City 2-1 Newport County /
  • Gloucester City 0-1 Haverfordwest County /

Match Details

📅 Date: Saturday 25th July 2026
🏟️ Venue: Jenner Park Stadium
⏰ Kick-off: 3:00pm

🎟️ Match Tickets:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=18927

With the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season now just over a week away, there’s still time to secure your Barry Town United Season Ticket and join us at Jenner Park throughout the campaign.

Make sure you’re with us every step of the way and #BackTheTown.

🎟️ Season Tickets:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/SeasonTickets/SelectClubTicket?clubId=321&SaleWindowId=20404

MATCH PREVIEW – BARRY TOWN UNITED VS TRETHOMAS BLUEBIRDS AFC

Barry Town United’s pre-season campaign continues as The Town host Trethomas Bluebirds at Jenner Park on Tuesday evening. 

The Town are looking to continue their good pre-season form after wins in the last three friendlies. With the opening day of the Novira Cymru Premier season looming, The Town will look to once again impress in front of the Jenner Park faithful. 

The Town have so far beaten Goytre United 1-2, Goytre FC 3-1 and Yate Town AFC 0-1, Steve Jenkins’ men will look to make it 4 from 4 on a warm summer’s night in Barry.

New Signings

So far this summer, Barry Town have made five new signings who will all be looking to impress and gel with the squad over the next few weeks before the new season kicks off on July 31st.

All five of the new summer signings have already made their debuts for the club, with Sion Spence and Elliott Dugan already getting on the scoresheet in the first two friendlies. Dugan who has featured in and around the Cymru Premier with Haverfordwest and Connah’s Quay Nomads, will look to bring his goal-scoring prowess to Jenner Park this season. 

Spence, who arrived after leaving Gloucester City, is a familiar face around Barry, with a loan spell back in 2019. Sion has featured for Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace Under 23’s and Havant & Waterlooville before returning to Jenner Park on a permanent deal.

Jack Shaw joined the club after spells at Trethomas Bluebirds, Llantwit Major and Penybont. The midfielder has received some high praise from fans of his former clubs and will look to break into the side with the new season around the corner.

Jaydn Crosbie was our fourth signing of the summer, joining the club after leaving Dorchester Town. The 22-year-old will bolster the attacking presence for Barry Town over the next few weeks and over the new season. 

Our latest signing is Trinidad & Tobago international James Lester. The young defender joined the club after leaving Llanelli Town. James will be looking to contribute towards the backline this season.

The Opposition

Last season, Trethomas Bluebirds finished 13th in the Cymru South with a total of 29 points. The Bluebirds will be aiming to improve on last season’s standings and potentially reach the Novira Cymru Premier in the near future.

Over the past few seasons, Trethomas Bluebirds have finished as runners-up in the 24/25 Cymru South season, won the FAW Amateur Trophy in the 22/23 season, and won the Ardal Southern Cup in the 21/22 season.

Former Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra recently came out of retirement to join The Bluebirds, who will hope to add his historic attacking prowess to the side. 

Last Time Out

17/09/24 – Trethomas Bluebirds 1-4 Barry Town United – Nathaniel MG Cup 24/25

Match Details

DATE – Tuesday 14th July

GROUND – Jenner Park Stadium

KICK OFF – 19:45

TICKETS – Available on FanBase – https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/ChooseQuantity?ticketId=9779&fixtureId=18925

Match Preview – Llanelli Town

By Tierre Miller

Barry Town United go in to the final phase one JD Cymru Premier fixture knowing a win over Llanelli Town will secure a spot in the top six.

Finishing in the top six would round off a fine few weeks for Steve Jenkins’ side with a place in the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup and quarter final of the Welsh Cup already secured.

Barry will be looking to put the last two away defeats at Briton Ferry Llansawel and Connah’s Quay Nomads behind them and finish the job under the lights at Jenner Park.

The final fixture of phase one is a reverse of the opening fixture which saw Barry run out 2-0 winners at Stebonheath Park.

First half goals from Ben Margetson and Ieaun Owen saw Town secure all three points on opening night in Llanelli.

Town also faced Llanelli in the MG Cup earlier on in the season with a second half Ieuan Owen goal being enough to settle the tie at Jenner Park and send Barry to the fourth round.

The Reds were promoted to the Cymru Premier last season but have so far found wins hard to come by winning just two of their 21 league games.

Llanelli secured back to back wins at the end of September beating both Briton Ferry and Haverfordwest County but have gone on to pick up just a single point since then.

The Reds currently sit 12 points behind Bala Town who sit in 11th.

Danny Williams has been the top scorer for Lee John’s side this campaign with the Llanelli centre forward netting on three occasions so far.

It is set to be a busy evening of football on Friday with every side in the league kicking off at 19:45.

The only sides who can overtake Town on the final day of phase one are Cardiff Met and Haverfordwest with the latter needing a massive goal swing as well as winning and Town losing.

Should Cardiff Met fail to win at Penybont a draw would be enough for Town but Barry can go in to Friday knowing everything is in their hands and a win will do the job regardless of what happens elsewhere.

Match Preview – Haverfordwest


Town return to JD Cymru Premier action Friday night after last weeks emphatic 6-0 win away at Llanelli in the Welsh Cup.

Haverfordwest County are the visitors and Town will be looking to sign off with a win in the final league fixture at Jenner Park until new year.

Friday’s visitors last outing was 13 days where the Bluebirds defeated Colywn Bay 1-0 at Ogi Bridge Meadow.

It’s only been a few weeks since the last meeting between the two clubs where Town ran out 2-0 winners in the last eight of the Nathaniel MG cup.

Goals from Ollie Hulbert and Ieuan Owen secured the win and a place in the semi finals for Town. 

Town currently sit 7th in the league, one point behind Cardiff Met who occupy the final spot in the top six.

The Bluebirds find themselves in 10th with 16 points but despite the lowly league position Tony Pennock’s side only sit 5 points off the top six places.

The league splits in the new year and there are just six games left for both sides and like Town, the Bluebirds will also have their sights set on the top six spots.

Town have faced The Bluebirds on 24 occasions running out winners seven times.

There have also been eight draws between the sides.

The last meeting in the league between the sides came in September where Town ran out 3-2 winners in Pembrokeshire.

Goals from Ryan Kavanagh, Ieuan Owen and Ben Margetson that night gave Town a well deserved win.

Kick off is at 19:45 on Friday night, we hope to see as many as you as possible at Jenner Park!

by Tierre Miller

Barry Town United vs Newport County — Preview

Barry Town United take on Sky Bet League Two opposition on Friday night with Newport County making the short trip to Jenner Park Stadium. This will be the second year running where Town take on The Exiles in pre season, Town came out 2–1 winners last year.

This is both sides final friendly before returning to competitive action next week. Town host Aberystwyth in the Nathaniel MG Cup next Saturday while County head to Barnet midweek in the Carabao Cup preliminary round.

So far in pre season Town have recorded wins over Newport City and Gloucester City. County have had a mixed bag in pre season so far with wins against Weston Super Mare, Pontypridd United, Worcester City and Undy AFC. County suffered a 3–1 defeat away to Torquay United last weekend and narrowly lost 1–0 to a strong Bristol City side behind closed doors on Tuesday.

New County manager David Hughes is no stranger to Barry Town having previously played and managed the club before leaving in 2013. Since then Hughes has gone on to work for both Cardiff City and Manchester United in the academy set ups. Hughes took the job at County in May replacing Nelson Jardim who left the club just before the end of the previous campaign.

Hughes isn’t the only link between both clubs with current Town man Robbie Willmott who made just under 300 appearences for County across 2 spells. Willmott was part of Newport’s FA Cup giant killings which saw County defeat sides like Leicester City, Middlesbrough and Leeds United. Willmott was also a key figure in the County side that forced Spurs to a FA Cup replay in 2018 after drawing 1–1 at Rodney Parade.

Newport have been pretty active in the window so far adding the likes of Michael Reindorf, Ged Garner, Nick Tzanev, Lee Jenkins and perhaps most notably Matt Smith who has 19 caps for Wales. County will be hoping these new signings can help the club kick on from last seasons 22nd place finish in League Two.

Ahead of the game I spoke with Newport fan Oliver Pughe to get a point a view from the County side of things. I started off by asking about new manager David Hughes. Oliver went on to say “From speaking to the new County Manager David Hughes at Newport’s 1–0 win away at Weston, it is important that this pre season campaign allows Hughes to gather a better understanding of his players as well as trying to carry out different tactics that could be used for the start of the season.”

I also asked Oliver about the upcoming season and how he thought County would get on. “Last year was disappointing but with a new manager and some real quality being added I don’t see why we can kick on and have a more comfortable season”.

Kick off is at 19:30 on Friday at Jenner Park Stadium.

Tickets available on the gate or via Fanbase here

Tierre Miller

Match Preview – Barry Town vs Briton Ferry

Barry Town vs Briton Ferry, proudly sponsored by VOG Fire and Alarms.

Barry Town will round up their league campaign against Briton Ferry on Saturday with a final outing at Jenner Park before the playoffs. The Town clinched the 7th playoff spot last time out with a 2-0 victory away to Connah’s Quay Nomads and by doing so buried the only team that were close enough to catch them. Goals from Ben Williams-Margetson and Ieuan Owen respectively nullified the Nomads and provided Barry with breathing room to prepare for the playoff fixture on the 26th of April.

Their opponents have not yet been confirmed, but they will face whoever finishes fourth in the Cymru Premier Championship Conference away from home.

The occasion will be made even more special after the recent news of captain Kayne McLaggon announcing that he will be leaving the club after an unforgettable eight seasons with the Town. Kayne has scored an incredible 128 goals in 245 appearances and has been a crucial part in Barry achieving European qualification twice. Saturday will mark Kayne’s final home game of his illustrious Jenner Park career and everyone at the club would like to thank him for his unwavering commitment. You can read more on the news here – Captain. Leader. Legend.

The prospect of three wins on the spin awaits the Town and hopes will be high with a strong record of four games unbeaten against this weekend’s opponents. Briton Ferry are coming off the back of a 2-1 loss at home to Flint Town and sit in fourth place, 17 points behind Barry.

McLaggon will look to finish his season strongly after scoring his fourth of the season two games ago at Flint Town. Player of the Month nominee Ieuan Owen has also excelled as of late, bagging five goals in his last five games and notably found the back of the net in the last meeting between the two sides.

With the playoff spot secured, spirits will be high at Jenner Park on Saturday.

Don’t forget there will also be a Family Fun Day taking place from 11:30-16:45 with lots of exciting activities for all ages!

Tickets available via Fanbase!

Match Preview – Final Away Day of the 2024/25 Campaign

Match Preview | Barry Town United vs Connah’s Quay Nomads | 13.04.25

By Archie Tooth

Barry Town hit the road for the final time this campaign with a trip to Connah’s Quay on Sunday.

The Town looks to extend its lead at the top of the relegation playoff, currently five points clear of this weekend’s opponents, who sit on 41 points.

With playoff football at stake, a draw or better would see Barry clinch a spot in the post-season tournament, making European football the ultimate prize. A feat not reached since the 2003/04 season.

Recent Form

The Town come into their penultimate fixture off the back of three wins in five games.

A notable 4-3 stoppage time win over Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC back in early March propelled the side into an action-packed month, earning wins over Aberystwyth Town (2-1) and most recently Newtown (2-1).

Our opposition overcame Llanelli in the semifinals of the FAW Welsh Cup in mid-March as they were on a four-game unbeaten streak; before Briton Ferry edged them out in a tight 1-0 win just before the turn of the month.

Key Players

Forward Ieuan Owen had an impressive March for the Town, where he scored four and assisted two, rightfully shortlisting himself for the Cymru Premier Player of the Month award.

Speaking on his form, Ieuan Owen said: “I’ve been really impressed with myself if I’m being honest.

“It’s gone from me not playing much to starting, and I knew that once I’d get the opportunity, I could show what I’m capable of.”

Rhys Hughes has been the Nomads’ star player this campaign, tied first in the race for the Golden Boot with 14 goals.

Barry’s Ollie Hulbert is sat just one behind the midfielder in the race, who’s poised to claim the individual award come the end of the season.

Last Time Out

In the reverse fixture, the Town fell to a 2-0 defeat at Jenner Park, Noah Edwards broke the deadlock just before the interval, with teammate Sam Durrant adding a second in the 91st minute.

Phase One of the Cymru Premier saw the Town claim the league double over Connah’s Quay, a 2-1 win away in early September, before a thrilling 3-2 win at home in November.

Stats Spotlight

Since his arrival to the Town, wingback Owen Cuddihy has notched four assists in five starts for the club, three of which came in the memorable comeback win over Ferry.

Forward Ollie Hulbert netted both goals in our 2-1 away win against Connah’s Quay in September, both coming in the second half.

Liam Armstrong has 12 consecutive starts for Barry between the sticks, in that time he has registered two clean sheets.

Connah’s Rhys Hughes netted twice in their 3-2 defeat to the Town in early November, scoring in the 58th and 85th minute.

Welsh Cup logo

Tomorrow: The Welsh Cup

Barry v Porthcawl Town Athletic

Barry host Porthcawl tomorrow at Jenner Park at 2pm in a Welsh Cup 2nd Round fixture in what is the first ever meeting in any competition between the two clubs.

Barry have had some recent success in the Welsh Cup, being Semi Finalists in 2012-13, and again in 2018-19. We’re also 6 times winners of the competition, having won it in 1954-55, 1993-94, 1996-97, and a famous treble of wins in 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03.

This season also marks the 30th anniversary of the fabulous 1993-94 Welsh Cup campaign which took us all the way to Cup Final glory at the National Stadium in Cardiff, beating much-fancied Cardiff City 2-1 in the process.

We’ve a long way to go to emulate that success, and Porthcawl Town will almost certainly prove stiff opposition for us tomorrow. It’s the magic of the Cup. Anything can happen!