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Celebrating 30 years since Barry Town’s 1994 Welsh Cup win

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 at the Copthorne Hotel — 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.

1994 Welsh Cup Final programme — 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.

Town's winning captain, Andy Beattie, lifting the trophy at the National Stadium.

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.

Barry Town at Jenner Park with all 4 trophies — Team photo, featuring the FAW Trophy, the Welsh Cup, the Cyril Rogers Cup and the Welsh League trophy.

Watch the Welsh Cup 1994 highlights

Town ‘keeper Mike Lewis to depart the club

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.

Cotterill to depart at the end of the season

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.

Thanks for everything Cotts!

MATCH REPORT: TOWN WELL BEATEN BY PONTY

BARRY 0-3 PONTYPRIDD

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 management team changes

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.

2023/24 JD Cymru Premier Phase Two fixtures released

Barry Town’s Phase Two fixtures for the 2023/24 JD Cymru Premier season have been confirmed.

Play-Off Conference

Matchday 23 / Saturday 3 February, 13:00

Barry Town v Pontypridd United

Matchday 24 / Saturday 10 February, 12:45

Penybont v Barry Town

Matchday 25 / Friday 23 February, 19:45

Barry Town v Haverfordwest County

Matchday 26 / Saturday 2 March, 14:30

Aberystwyth Town v Barry Town

Matchday 27 / Saturday 9 March, 14:30

Barry Town v Colwyn Bay

Matchday 28 / Saturday 16 March, 14:30

Pontypridd United v Barry Town

Matchday 29 / Friday 29 March, 12:30

Barry Town v Penybont

Matchday 30 / Friday 5 April, 19:45

Haverfordwest County v Barry Town

Matchday 31 / Saturday 13 April, 14:30

Barry Town v Aberystwyth Town

Matchday 32 / Sunday 21 April, 14:15

Colwyn Bay v Barry Town

Town Long-standing Player Departs

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.

Will Richards Becomes Barry’s Second January Transfer

Barry Town United have announced the signing of Will Richards from National League North side, Gloucester City.

The incoming 32-year-old joins earlier announcement Lee Lucas as a January signing and will add a vast level of experience to the Town squad, subject to international clearance.

The centre-back and Town’s new number 24 has gained 13 years of experience playing around step one and two of non-league football in England after his departure from football league club, Shrewsbury Town.

Richards also boasts playing in the FA Cup proper, scoring in a first round tie before facing League One’s Stevenage in round two when playing for Stourbridge.

Before returning to his home nation, signing for Barry, Richards has picked up over 80 appearances in the National League South and North combined for numerous clubs, most recently Gloucester City.

Welcoming Will to the club, Jenkins has said: “I’ve known of Will for a long time and tried to get him at Hereford. He’s a leader, great character, massively experienced and will be a fabulous addition to the group.”

The club would like to thank Gloucester City for their cooperation with the transfer.

MATCH REPORT: DOMINANT TOWN CRUISE PAST NEWTOWN IN 2024 OPENER

Barry Town kicked off 2024 in style with a convincing 4-0 win over Newtown in the JD Cymru Premier at Jenner Park.

The dominant performance against the fourth placed Robins was led by an unlikely double and an assist from Ben Blythe. Sam Snaith and Ollie Hulburt also secured places on the scoresheet as the Town cruised to victory in Steve Jenkins’ absence.

Blythe opened his account for the Town on 18 minutes with a Rhys Davies cross trickling across the six-yard box for the Swansea loanee to smartly find the bottom corner.

The centre-back completed his brace from a Barry corner with a powerful header. A Jamie Veale corner had the centre-back rising highest to double the hosts’ lead.

Snaith was able to seal three points for the Town inside the hour mark, another Veale corner finding the Town striker to take his goal tally to two goals in two league starts. The 23-year-old’s first league start since August 19.

Ollie Hulburt rubbed salt in the wound when he added a 71^st minute winner. After threatening breaking the line of defence throughout the match, he eventually made it count, slotting home Blythe’s through ball for 4-0.

After a stretched opening few minutes, Ollie Hulburt beat the offside trap with Callum Sainty showing great vision from the back, the Town striker could only force a corner with a good save from Andrew Wycherley.

It was déjà vu for Hulburt ten minutes later. A ball over the top allowed the 21-year-old to demonstrate his burst in acceleration, denied by a brilliant Wycherley save.

Newtown’s chances were few and far between although a looping cross had Louis Robles testing Luc Rees able to make a comfortable save.

Aiden Lewis was given a golden opportunity to double the Town’s lead late in the first half when he intercepted a misplaced goal kick, spraying his effort from outside the box.

League top goalscorer, Aaron Williams had a chance to reduce the deficit in the second half when the ball fell from the sky on the penalty spot. Getting his technique all wrong, the Newtown striker couldn’t find the target.

Despite running riot so freely throughout, Barry couldn’t secure a fifth despite continuing to push in late minutes. A darting run from Mike George down the right-wing found Keenan Patten in an unlikely position in the box but he couldn’t beat the Robins’ ‘keeper.

Barry Town United: Rees, Press ©, Sainty, Blythe, Davies (Hugh 85’), Patten, Veale, Lewis (Tomlinson 52’), Hulburt (Huggins 85’), Snaith (McLaggon 78’).

Subs not used: Tucker, Greening, Sylvester.

Newtown: Wycherley, Sears, Mills-Evans (Hughes 78’), Sutton ©, R. Evans, Robles, Ismael (Boakye 65’), Williams, Cowans, Jones, D. Smith.

Subs not used: Ussher, Sharp, C. Smith, Downs, Taylor.

Goals: Blythe 19’, 43’, Snaith 59’, Hulburt 71’.

Yellow Cards: Patten 82’. Cowans 50’, D. Smith 58’.

Town Sign Lee Lucas from Taunton

Barry Town United have announced the signing of former Wales under-21 international Lee Lucas from National League South outfit, Taunton Town.

The incoming 31-year-old adds a wealth of experience to the Town midfield, boasting appearances in the English football league.

The midfielder started his career with Swansea City where he gained caps at Wales under-17, 19 and 21 level before loan spells with League Two sides Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town.

After a season with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, Lucas eventually settled in his native country, making over 60 appearances for Merthyr Town before his most recent three-year spell with Taunton Town in the South-West of England where he has made 13 appearances this season.

Lucas is Steve Jenkins’ first signing of the January transfer window subject to international clearance.

Welcoming Lee to the club, Jenkins has said: “I’ve always been an admirer of Lee as a footballer, he’s hugely experienced with loads of quality and fits the profile of player we want at the club to take us forward.”

On his signing, Lee Lucas commented: “I’m delighted to have joined such a historic club in Welsh football. I’m excited to link up with Steve and to help the club push up the table as we step into Phase two of the campaign.”

The club would like to thank Taunton Town for their cooperation with the transfer.