Tag Archives: First team

Unbelievable Barry Town – Nathaniel MG Cup Champions 2026

A fantastic brace from Ieuan Owen saw Town get their hands on the Nathaniel MG Cup for the first time since 2000.

Town went in to the game as “underdogs” from the outside world but within the club everyone had belief this could be the year.

Town reached Saturday’s final in Bridgend after defeating Llanelli, Haverfordwest County and Cambrian United along the way.

The buildup to the game was overshadowed by events off the pitch with the passing of Callum Sainty’s father and Eliot Richards cancer diagnosis.

Back in October chairman Mark Barrett told the group he had been diagnosed with cancer in what was an extremely brave move.

These off field events made an already together team more together and added extra determination to make Saturday a memorable one after a tough few months.

BRIDGEND, WALES – 28 FEBRUARY 2026: Barry Town team photo during the 2025/26 Nathaniel MG Cup Final fixture between The New Saints FC & Barry Town United AFC at the Dragonbet Stadium, Bridgend, Wales (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)

From minute one of the match you could tell every man in Barry yellow and blue believed something special could happen.

Town started the much better side and put the TNS backline under pressure early doors.

From pre game to post match the travelling fans were immense and the positive start by Town just fired them up even more.

On the stroke of half time Ieuan pounced on a mix up at the back from TNS and gave Town a deserved lead heading in to the break.

The Saints somewhat improved in the second 45 but despite getting in a few good positions they just couldn’t take any of their chances and you stated to feel this could be Town’s day.

Joe Thomas has played in every MG Cup match this season and played his part in keeping Town keeping a clean sheet when eventually called upon.

As the match went on the belief that something special could be on the cards grew and in stoppage time at the end of the match Ieuan Owen secured it once and for all.

Again pouncing on a mistake at the back for TNS, Ieuan was there to find the net from long range to send every Barry fan into raptures.

So that was it, history was made a first MG Cup success since 2000 and Town were able to avenge TNS for the 2017 final.

A win that will be remembered by everyone but more importantly a massive win for the club and community after recent months.

By Tierre Miller

Club Statement

Following a short period of time away from the club due to personal circumstances, Andy Legg has returned to his role as First Team Manager at Barry Town United AFC.

Stephen Jenkins will continue in his role as Head of Football at Barry Town United AFC.

Theo Wharton joins the Town

Barry Town United are delighted to announce the signing of Theo Wharton. Theo rejoins the club following a spell between 2019-2022.

The midfielder joins us from Llanelli Town and made 44 appearances during his time at Stebonheath Park. Having represented St. Kitts & Nevis on 21 occasions, Theo will add experience to the Town side as we head into a big second half of the season.

Theo has also represented Hereford, Newtown, York City, Nuneaton Borough and Tamworth during his career.

The former Cardiff City youngster rejoins the Town on an 18 month deal and will wear the number 15 shirt as he did during his first spell at Jenner Park.

By Tierre Miller

Cymru Premier Phase Two Fixtures 2026

Saturday 24th January 14:30 – The New Saints at Park Hall

Saturday 31st January 14:00 – CPD Rhyl 1879 at Hops and Barley Community Stadium

Saturday 7th February 14:30 – Colwyn Bay at Jenner Park

Saturday 14th February 14:30 – Caernarfon Town at Llandudno Town FC

Saturday 21st February 14:30 – Connah’s Quay Nomads at Jenner Park

Saturday 28th February 17:30 – The New Saints at DragonBet Stadium in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final

Tuesday 3rd March 19:45 – Penybont at Jenner Park

Saturday 14th March 14:30 – Colwyn Bay at the Blue Turtle Arena

Saturday 21st March 14:30 – Caernarfon Town at Jenner Park

Sunday 29th March 14:30 – Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Essity Stadium

Friday 3rd April 14:30 (Good Friday) – Penybont at the DragonBet Stadium

Saturday 18th April 14:30 – The New Saints at Jenner Park

Joshua Bernard Joins Barry Town United

Barry Town United are delighted to welcome midfielder Joshua Bernard to Jenner Park ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 19-year-old midfielder joins the club subject to international clearance. Comfortable in both defensive and box-to-box roles, Joshua brings energy, power, and a willingness to put himself about in the heart of midfield.

Joshua said:
“I’m really excited to get going. Barry’s a proper football club with big ambition, and the chance to be part of that was too good to turn down. I’ll give 100% every game, that’s the only way I know how to play.”

Head of Football, Steve Jenkins, believes Bernard will be a big influence on and off the pitch.

“Joshua’s got that mix of energy and grit that every side needs. He covers every blade of grass, he’s competitive, and he’s a great character. He’ll add a lot to our midfield and to the squad as a whole.”

Joshua is the latest addition to a Barry Town United squad that looks to continue a strong start against Colwyn Bay on Saturday 16th August!

Welcome to The Town, Josh!

Squad Numbers 25/26

Barry Town United is delighted to confirm squad numbers for our players for the 25/26 Season:

George Ratcliffe – 31
Joe Thomas – 1
Michael George – 2
Callum Sainty – 4
Ben Williams-Margetson – 5
Keston Davies – 6
William Richards – 24
Ellis Williams – 17
Owen Cuddihy – 21
Ryan Kavanagh – 10
Daniel Barton – 23
Robbie Willmott – 7
Eliot Richards – 8
Rhys Schwank – 11
Ollie Hulbert – 22
Ieuan Owen – 9
Callum Huggins – 38
Daniel Smith – 14
Joe Beynon – 16

Smith Signs!

Barry Town United are thrilled to announce the signing of striker Daniel Smith ahead of the 2025/26 season – subject to international clearance.

The forward arrives at Jenner Park with a growing reputation for his sharp movement, cool finishing, and work ethic up top. A player who knows where the goal is and isn’t afraid to put in the hard yards for the team, Daniel adds firepower and hunger to Barry’s attacking line.

Daniel said:
“I’m buzzing to get started. Barry’s a big club with proper ambition. As a striker, you want to be part of a team that plays on the front foot, and that’s exactly what this is. I’m here to score goals and give everything for the badge.”

Head of Football, Steve Jenkins, is confident Smith will make an impact.

“Daniel’s a handful – he works defenders, makes clever runs, and knows how to finish. He’s got an edge in the final third that every team needs. We’re really happy to bring him in, and I think he’ll be a big player for us this season.”

Daniel becomes the latest addition to a growing squad at Jenner Park as Barry gear up for an exciting campaign ahead.

Daniel Barton Signs

Barry Town United are excited to announce the signing of midfielder Daniel Barton ahead of the 2025/26 campaign on a two-year contract

The midfielder arrives at Jenner Park with a reputation for intelligence on the ball, high work rate, and an eye for a forward pass. A dynamic central midfielder who’s comfortable both breaking up play and building attacks, Daniel brings energy and versatility to the heart of the Barry midfield.

Daniel said:
“I’m really proud to be joining Barry. It’s a club with a great identity and ambition, and I want to play a part in that. The way the team wants to play suits me, and I’m looking forward to getting going.”

Head of Football, Steve Jenkins, believes Barton is a great fit for what the team is building.

“Daniel’s a really clever footballer. He covers ground, he’s sharp in possession, and he’s got the right attitude. He’s hungry, and that’s exactly what we want in this squad. He’ll bring balance and real energy in midfield.”

Daniel adds to a growing list of signings ahead of pre-season, as Barry Town United continue to build a competitive squad for the season ahead.

Welcome to the Town!

Barry Town 2–0 Newport City – Match Report

Football returned to Jenner Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon with Newport City making the short trip East as preperations for the 2025/26 JD Cymru Premier season ramped up.

New signings Keston Davies and Joe Thomas got their first minutes in the tank as Barry Town players while George Ratcliffe made his return by playing in the first half.

Town started the better and it didn’t take long to open the scoring with Ieuan Owen smashing in a cross from Owen Cuddihy to give Town a 1–0 lead after 10 minutes, Ieuan continuing on from where he left last season!

Newport City came alive after Owen’s opener calling George Ratcliffe into action for the first time after 17 minutes who produced a fine save to his right following a long range shot.

Following the goal both sides had chances in the remainder of the first half but no one could convert. Newport City tested Ratcliffe again but nothing would pass the Town keeper on his second debut. There was still time for one more chance on the stroke of half time with a curling shot from Ieuan Owen just being tipped over the bar by the City goalkeeper.

There were a few changes for Town during half time with Joe Thomas replacing George Ratcliffe in net and Keston Davies coming on for his first appearance. City made a lively start to the second half but failed to really test Thomas in the Town net.

Joe Rees had a strong shot tipped over the bar by the City goalkeeper after 58 minutes which led to a Town corner. Owen Cuddihy took the resulting corner which found it’s way through to Ieuan Owen who nodded home his and Town’s second of the afternoon.

Town ran out 2–0 winners in the end in what was an enjoyable afternoon as football returned to Jenner Park. It was great to see so many familiar faces in both the stands and on the pitch including Kayne McLaggon who has just signed for Newport City.

Town head to Bristol on Wednesday night to take on Roman Glass St George before returning back to Jenner Park next Saturday to host Cardiff City u21s as the JD Cymru Premier season approaches.

We would like to wish Newport City all the best as they prepare for another campaign in the Cymru South!

Report prepared by Tierre Miller

🧤 Joe Thomas Signs for Barry Town United

Barry Town United are delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Joe Thomas ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The talented young shot-stopper joins the club with a growing reputation and plenty of potential. Known for his quick reactions, bravery in one-on-ones, and vocal presence at the back, Joe adds real competition and depth to the goalkeeping department at Jenner Park.

🗣️ Joe said:
“I’m really excited to be here. Barry’s a massive club with big ambitions, and as soon as I spoke to the staff, I knew this was the right place for me. I’m looking forward to getting started and showing the fans what I can do.”

Head of Football, Steve Jenkins, is confident Joe will thrive at the club.

🗣️ “Joe’s a great young keeper with a lot of ability and hunger to improve. He’s got a real presence about him, and we’re excited to see how he develops with us. It’s a really strong addition for the squad.”

Joe joins fellow goalkeeper George Ratcliffe as part of a strong-looking group heading into pre-season.

Welcome to Barry, Joe 💛