Tag Archives: First team

Match Report: Colwyn Bay 5-2 Barry Town United

Barry Town United suffered their second defeat of the season as Colwyn Bay came from two goals down to claim a 5-2 victory at the Blue Turtle Arena.

First-half goals from Noah Daley and Mikey George had put The Town in control, but a goal shortly before the interval gave the hosts a route back into the contest. Colwyn Bay then struck four unanswered goals after the break to turn the game around.

First Half

The opening stages proved scrappy, with both sides looking to gain a foothold in the contest.

The first opportunity fell to Colwyn Bay after two minutes when a deflected cross was met by a header at the near post, forcing George Ratcliffe to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Barry gradually began to settle and created their first notable opportunity in the 21st minute. Neat combination play involving Jack Shaw, Ellis Williams, Daniel Smith and Noah Daley ended with Daley trying his luck from distance, but his effort was comfortably gathered.

The hosts continued to threaten from set-pieces, with Ratcliffe called into action again four minutes later to palm away an effort from the edge of the area.

However, it was Barry who broke the deadlock on 29 minutes.

Some excellent build-up play saw Smith find Mikey George making his way forward before the ball was worked to Dan Barton. His delivery towards the back post was met by Daley, who guided his header into the opposite corner to give The Town a 1-0 lead.

Seven minutes later, Barry doubled their advantage.

Shaw won possession inside his own half before Barry broke quickly. George raced forward from deep and was played through one-on-one, keeping his composure to finish into the bottom corner and make it 2-0.

Colwyn Bay responded before the interval, however, pulling one back in the 40th minute to reduce Barry’s advantage.

The hosts then enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure before half-time. Ratcliffe produced another save from a back-post header before Will Richards made an important challenge inside the penalty area to prevent another opportunity.

Barry survived further pressure in added time to head into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

Half-time: Colwyn Bay 1-2 Barry Town United

Second Half

The restart was briefly delayed due to an issue with the floodlights before Theo Wharton eventually got the second half underway.

Colwyn Bay made a fast start and were level just two minutes after the restart. An inswinging corner was met by a header at the back post to make it 2-2, with the goal confirmed following communication between the referee and VAR.

The hosts continued to apply the pressure and almost completed the turnaround moments later, but an effort from the edge of the area was dragged wide.

Barry struggled to regain the control they had shown during periods of the first half, with Colwyn Bay maintaining the pressure before taking the lead in the 57th minute.

Jadyn Crosbie was introduced in place of Daniel Smith as The Town looked for a response.

However, Colwyn Bay extended their advantage from another set-piece. A free-kick was delivered into the Barry penalty area and, after the initial header was won, a second header found the net to make it 4-2.

In front of an attendance of 848, Barry continued searching for a way back into the contest.

One of The Town’s best moves of the second half came in the 79th minute as a patient passing move eventually saw Wharton find Callum Sainty, whose effort from distance went over the crossbar.

Josh Bernard replaced Shaw with seven minutes of normal time remaining before Barry threatened again late on. James Lester and Daley combined well, allowing the latter to get a shot away on his left foot, but his effort went narrowly past the right-hand post.

With four minutes of additional time indicated, Sainty produced an important intervention to initially prevent what looked certain to be a fifth for the hosts.

Colwyn Bay would eventually add another before the final whistle, completing a difficult second half for The Town and securing a 5-2 victory.

Barry will now look to respond after suffering their second defeat of the Cymru Premier campaign.

Full-time: Colwyn Bay 5-2 Barry Town United

Barry Town United: Ratcliffe, George, Williams, Sainty, Daley, Barton, Smith, Wharton, Lester, Shaw, Richards.

Subs: Thomas, Crosbie, Schwank, Bernard, Njie.

Match Report: Barry Town United 2-2 Ammanford AFC

Barry Town United were denied all three points deep into stoppage time as Ammanford AFC struck from the penalty spot to earn a 2-2 draw at Jenner Park.

Goals from Noah Daley and Daniel Smith looked to have secured an eighth league victory of the season for The Town, but a VAR intervention in the closing stages handed the visitors the opportunity to level from 12 yards.

First Half

Barry began brightly under the Jenner Park lights and immediately put the visitors under pressure.

Elliott Dugan created the first opening inside the opening minute, delivering into the area for Jack Shaw, who was unable to get his shot away.

The Town continued to dominate possession, with Dan Barton releasing Mikey George down the right before the latter’s cross was blocked and cleared.

Barry thought they had found the breakthrough after seven minutes. A superb ball picked out George inside the area, who controlled beyond the goalkeeper before the loose ball fell to Dugan to fire home. The celebrations were cut short, however, with the goal ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The pressure continued. Callum Sainty produced an excellent roulette to escape his marker before combining with Ellis Williams, while George continued to cause Ammanford problems down the right.

The breakthrough finally arrived after 17 minutes.

George delivered into the area before the ball eventually found Noah Daley, who held off his marker brilliantly before turning and smashing his effort beyond the goalkeeper to put The Town 1-0 ahead.

Barry went searching for a second, winning a succession of corners before Sainty almost doubled the advantage in spectacular fashion. The captain latched onto a cross and attempted a clever backheel beyond the goalkeeper, only for an Ammanford defender to intervene.

There was a setback shortly afterwards as Dugan was forced off through injury, with Daniel Smith introduced in his place after 27 minutes.

The hosts remained firmly in control. Williams and George continued to provide a threat from either flank, while Barry consistently regained possession whenever Ammanford attempted to clear their lines.

Theo Wharton came close shortly before the interval, meeting a corner at the near post with a clever flick which travelled narrowly over the crossbar.

Ammanford began to grow into the contest during the closing stages of the half and won a free-kick just outside the Barry area in added time, but the resulting effort was comfortably gathered by George Ratcliffe.

The Town headed into the break with a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Second Half

Barry picked up where they left off after the restart.

An Ammanford goal kick fell straight to Wharton on the edge of the area, but his first-time effort was gathered by the goalkeeper.

The visitors then provided an early warning at the other end when a cross from the left was flicked narrowly beyond Ratcliffe’s post.

But in the 53rd minute, Barry doubled their advantage in stunning fashion.

A long ball over the top released Daniel Smith, who raced onto it before producing an outstanding chip over the advancing goalkeeper and into the net.

The two-goal cushion lasted just two minutes.

Ammanford pulled one back in the 55th minute, with Barry appealing for offside. Following discussions with VAR, the goal was allowed to stand and suddenly the visitors were back in the contest at 2-1.

Barry looked to restore their advantage. Daley turned inside the area and saw an effort blocked behind, before another corner caused chaos as the goalkeeper dropped the ball and Ammanford eventually cleared off the line.

James Lester then had the ball cleared off the line following a Wharton delivery, but the offside flag denied The Town once again.

As the game entered its closing stages, Ammanford began to apply increasing pressure. Barry dealt with a succession of long throws and deliveries into the area, with Will Richards and Sainty making important clearances and Ratcliffe comfortably dealing with efforts that found their way through.

Jadyn Crosbie replaced Daley in the 88th minute as Barry looked to see out the remaining minutes.

Four minutes of additional time were initially indicated, but the biggest moment of the match arrived deep into stoppage time.

Following an Ammanford attack which was cleared and a free kick given to Barry, play was delayed as the referee discussed a potential penalty with VAR. The referee was subsequently sent to the pitchside monitor and, after reviewing the incident, awarded Ammanford a penalty.

Sainty was booked and, in the 95th minute, the visitors converted from the spot to make it 2-2.

There was still time for one final Barry opportunity, with George delivering into the area for Lester, whose header travelled wide in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

The final whistle followed shortly afterwards as The Town were forced to settle for a point after leading 2-0 at Jenner Park.

Full-time: Barry Town United 2-2 Ammanford AFC

Barry Town United: Ratcliffe, George, Williams, Sainty, Daley, Barton, Wharton, Lester, Dugan, Shaw, Richards.

Subs: Jackson, Crosbie, Schwank, Smith, Bernard, Grinter.

Barton: “It was a great response from the boys”

Daniel Barton praised Barry Town United’s response to their first defeat of the season after finding the net in Friday night’s convincing 4-1 victory over Llandudno at Jenner Park.

The Town returned to winning ways in style under the lights, with Barton getting himself on the scoresheet with arguably the goal of the night.

Reflecting on his strike, Barton said: “Yeah, I saw the space and then I knew I caught it well, and luckily it was enough to go in.”

Friday’s victory was the perfect response following the narrow 1-0 defeat away at The New Saints a week earlier, and Barton believes there were plenty of positives to take from both performances.

“The boys were really positive going into the Llandudno game following the TNS performance, as there were lots of positives from that game.

“So yeah, it was a great response from the boys.”

Attention now quickly turns to Tuesday night, with Barry back at Jenner Park to face Ammanford in another Novira Cymru Premier fixture.

Barton is expecting another difficult test, with the visitors also looking to produce a response following their defeat against Caernarfon Town.

“Every game is a tough game in this league, and I’m sure Ammanford are going to come out strong and looking to respond following their result against Caernarfon.”

Another strong crowd backed The Town on Friday, and Barton believes the Jenner Park support can once again play an important role on Tuesday night.

“The support makes a massive difference. We’re always lucky to have a good crowd at Jenner Park, and even when we’re away from home, our supporters do everything they can to get behind us.

“It really gives the boys a boost, so hopefully we can have another great atmosphere on Tuesday and put on a performance they can enjoy.”

Barry will now look to build on Friday’s victory when Ammanford visit Jenner Park on Tuesday night.

Watch Dan’s goal here:

https://twitter.com/CymruLeagues/status/2098504588785557720/video/1

Match Preview: Barry Town United vs Ammanford AFC

Barry Town United are back at Jenner Park for the second time in four days as The Town welcome newly promoted Ammanford AFC on Tuesday night.

The Town head into Matchday Nine looking to make it eight wins from their opening nine Novira Cymru Premier matches, following Friday night’s impressive 4–1 victory over Llandudno at Jenner Park.

Barry began the campaign with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Cambrian United, with Daniel Smith netting a late winner, before coming from behind to claim all three points in a thrilling 3–2 victory away at Flint Town United.

The Town then made it three wins from three with a 1–0 victory over Cardiff Met at Jenner Park before travelling north to face Holywell Town. Despite falling behind, Barry responded strongly to secure a 3–1 victory and maintain their perfect start.

A 4–2 home victory over Airbus UK Broughton followed, before The Town travelled to Briton Ferry Llansawel on Bank Holiday Monday and produced another impressive display, winning 4–1 as Elliott Dugan netted a hat-trick.

Barry’s perfect start came to an end away at The New Saints, where The Town suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat despite finding the net twice through Mikey George and Elliott Dugan, with both efforts ultimately ruled out.

The response came immediately on Friday night as Barry returned to winning ways in style, beating Llandudno 4–1 at Jenner Park.

Now, just four days later, The Town are back under the lights as they look to continue their strong start to the campaign against Ammanford.

The Opposition

Founded: 1945–46, originally formed as Betws
Manager: Wyn Thomas
Distance from Jenner Park: Approximately 56 miles

Ammanford are back in the top flight of Welsh football after earning promotion from the Cymru South last season.

They finished third during the 2025/26 campaign but secured their place in the Novira Cymru Premier for 2026/27.

Life back in the top flight has proved challenging so far, with Ammanford picking up two points from their opening fixtures, coming through draws against Trefelin and Colwyn Bay.

Tuesday’s fixture could also see Barry defender Ellis Williams come up against his former club. Before joining The Town, Williams made 51 appearances for Ammanford, scoring three goals and providing 10 assists.

Match Details

📅 Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026
🏟️ Venue: Jenner Park Stadium
Kick-off: 19:45

🎟️ Match Tickets:
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/fixture/barry-town-united/20839

How to Follow

If you can’t make it to Jenner Park on Tuesday night, 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, keeping supporters updated with all the key moments from Jenner Park.

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 Wednesday morning.

#YourTownYourTeam

Match Report | Barry Town United 4-1 Llandudno

Barry Town United returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion on Friday night, securing a 4-1 victory over Llandudno at Jenner Park.

Goals from Elliott Dugan, Noah Daley, Daniel Barton and Ellis Williams secured all three points for The Town as they responded strongly to last weekend’s narrow defeat at The New Saints.

Barry made two changes to the starting XI, with James Lester and Jack Shaw coming into the side, while 15-year-old goalkeeper Charlie Jackson was named among the substitutes.

The Town almost made the perfect start inside the opening minute. Shaw produced some excellent work down the left before the ball eventually found Mikey George, whose first-time effort flashed narrowly past the post.

Moments later, George released Daley through on goal, but his first-time effort was kept out by the Llandudno goalkeeper.

Barry’s fast start was rewarded when Dugan was brought down by the goalkeeper inside the area, leaving the referee to point to the penalty spot.

Dugan stepped up and confidently converted from 12 yards in the sixth minute to give The Town an early 1-0 advantage.

Barry continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage in the 14th minute through Noah Daley.

The striker showed excellent determination to prevent the ball from running out of play before driving towards goal. Daley took the ball into the area and got his shot away, with the effort eventually finding its way into the back of the net to make it 2-0 to The Town.

It was Daley’s first goal for Barry Town United, having joined the club from Penybont last month.

The visitors began to threaten as the half progressed, but Barry’s defence remained strong. Will Richards produced an excellent challenge inside the area to halt one attack, while George Ratcliffe comfortably dealt with a number of crosses into his box.

At the other end, Shaw continued to cause problems down the left, while Dugan and Daley combined effectively in attack.

Daley went close again after breaking into the area before finding Dugan, whose effort was deflected. The striker then attempted an overhead kick as the move continued, although an offside flag brought the attack to an end.

Barry almost added a third in the 37th minute. A superb left-footed pass from George released Williams, who drove into the area before seeing his effort tipped over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Daley produced an excellent first touch to break through the Llandudno defence, but his shot rolled narrowly wide of the post.

The visitors enjoyed their best spell of the half shortly before the interval. Ratcliffe was called upon to make a save from the edge of the area before a free header inside the Barry box somehow missed the target.

Despite the late pressure, The Town headed into the break with a deserved two-goal advantage.

SECOND HALF

Barry continued to create chances after the restart, with Daley dragging an effort wide after being released by a long ball from Barton.

The third arrived shortly afterwards following some excellent combination play between George and Barton.

George found Barton on the right edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder produced a superb left-footed curling strike which found the net to make it 3-0.

Barton almost repeated the trick minutes later. After a short corner involving George, he attempted another curling effort from a similar position, but this time the Llandudno goalkeeper was able to punch the ball away.

The visitors were handed an opportunity to get themselves back into the contest midway through the second half when the referee was advised to review an incident at the VAR monitor.

Following the review, Llandudno were awarded a penalty and converted from the spot in the 67th minute to reduce Barry’s advantage to 3-1.

The goal gave the visitors renewed momentum, but Barry continued to create opportunities of their own.

Dugan raced through one-on-one in the 78th minute and attempted to lift the ball over the goalkeeper, only to see his effort drift narrowly wide.

Daley then came even closer two minutes later. The striker rounded the goalkeeper and fired towards an empty net, but a Llandudno defender produced a goal-line clearance to deny him a second of the evening.

Daley’s evening came to an end in the 82nd minute as Daniel Smith was introduced in his place.

The closing stages became increasingly heated. A challenge on George sparked a confrontation between the two sides before the referee showed a yellow card to the Llandudno player involved.

Deep into stoppage time, Smith raced through on goal before being brought down by Kieran Smith.

The referee initially produced a yellow card before being advised to review the incident at the pitchside monitor. Following the VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card, reducing Llandudno to ten men.

There was still time for Barry to put the finishing touch on an impressive evening.

In the eighth minute of stoppage time, Ellis Williams found the net to make it 4-1, sealing a convincing victory at Jenner Park.

The final whistle eventually brought an eventful evening to a close as The Town responded to their first defeat of the campaign with three points in front of the Jenner Park faithful.

FULL-TIME: Barry Town United 4-1 Llandudno

Barry Town United: Ratcliffe, George, Williams, Sainty, Daley, Barton, Wharton, Lester, Dugan, Shaw, Richards.

Substitutes: Jackson, Crosbie, Schwank, Smith, Bernard.

Sainty: “We want to go on another run”

Barry Town United captain Callum Sainty says the squad are determined to respond immediately when The Town return to Jenner Park to face Llandudno on Friday night.

The Town enjoyed a perfect start to the Novira Cymru Premier campaign, winning each of their opening six league matches before suffering their first defeat of the season away to The New Saints last Saturday.

Despite the setback in Oswestry, Sainty has been delighted with the standards set by the squad during the opening weeks of the campaign.

“Very pleased with the start and the standards,” said Sainty. “The lads have all worked hard and six wins from six showed that.”

Barry’s winning run came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat against the reigning champions, but Sainty felt The Town could consider themselves unfortunate not to leave Park Hall with something to show for their performance.

“Definitely disappointment, as I thought we deserved more from the game, but it wasn’t to be.

“100% there were positives to take, as I thought we were more than enough value for a point and maybe the win as well.”

As captain, Sainty plays an important role in helping the group respond to setbacks, but he believes the attitude within the squad has made that task straightforward ahead of Friday.

“I’d say it’s important, but the boys make it easy. They’ve trained well this week and we’re looking forward to Friday now.”

Attention has quickly turned towards Llandudno as Barry look to begin another positive run of results.

The Seasiders arrive at Jenner Park on Friday evening, with Sainty insisting the squad have plenty of motivation to bounce back in front of their home support.

“The motivation is there after our first loss to go again. We want to go on another run.”

Barry were once again backed by a travelling contingent in Oswestry last weekend, and the captain finished by thanking those who made the journey while calling for another strong crowd at Jenner Park.

“As always, thank you for your support, it doesn’t go unnoticed. Let’s get a good crowd on Friday to get us going again.”

The Town return to Jenner Park on Friday night as they take on Llandudno in the Novira Cymru Premier.

🎟️ Get your tickets for Friday night

#YourTownYourTeam

Match Preview: Barry Town United vs Llandudno FC

Barry Town United return to Jenner Park this Friday night as Steve Jenkins’ side welcome reigning Cymru North champions Llandudno FC.

The Town head into Matchday Eight looking to respond following last Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat against The New Saints in Oswestry.

Barry opened the campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Cambrian United at Jenner Park, with Daniel Smith netting a late winner, before coming from behind to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory away at Flint Town United.

The Town then made it three wins from three by defeating Cardiff Met 1-0 at Jenner Park. Despite falling behind in their following fixture away at Holywell Town, Barry responded strongly to record a 3-1 victory.

A 4-2 home win against Airbus UK Broughton extended Barry’s perfect start before Steve Jenkins’ men completed an unbeaten August with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Briton Ferry Llansawel. Elliott Dugan was the star of the afternoon, scoring a hat-trick to help The Town secure their sixth consecutive league win.

Barry’s winning run came to an end against The New Saints last Saturday, although the visitors could consider themselves unfortunate to leave Oswestry empty-handed. Mikey George and Elliott Dugan both found the net during the contest, but each effort was ruled out as the hosts claimed a narrow 1-0 victory.

The Town will now be looking to produce a positive response under the Jenner Park lights on Friday evening.

The Opposition

Nickname: The Seasiders
Founded: 1878, originally formed as Gloddaeth Rovers
Manager: Jordan Hadaway
Distance from Jenner Park: 204 miles (Google Maps)

Llandudno returned to the Cymru Premier this summer after being crowned Cymru North champions during the 2025/26 campaign.

The Seasiders have made an impressive start to life back in the top flight and currently sit fifth in the table.

Jordan Hadaway’s side began the season with a 3-2 victory over Flint Town United before scoring four away at Trefelin. A 3-1 win against Holywell Town then extended their perfect start to three matches.

Their first defeat of the campaign came against Penybont, but Llandudno responded by overcoming Haverfordwest County. A 2-0 Bank Holiday Monday defeat at Colwyn Bay followed before The Seasiders returned to winning ways at home to Ammanford last Friday.

With both teams enjoying strong starts to the campaign, an entertaining encounter awaits at Jenner Park.

Match Details

📅 Date: Friday 11 September 2026
🏟️ Venue: Jenner Park Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45pm
🎟️ Match tickets: Buy tickets through Fanbase

How to Follow

If you cannot make it to Jenner Park on Friday, you can still follow all the action throughout the evening.

We will provide live match updates across our official X, Facebook and Instagram channels, covering all the key moments from Jenner Park.

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 and provides access to every Novira Cymru Premier fixture throughout the 2026/27 campaign.

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

Match Report: The New Saints 1-0 Barry Town United

Barry Town United’s perfect start to the Novira Cymru Premier season came to an agonising end as a late goal handed The New Saints a 1-0 victory in Oswestry.

Steve Jenkins’ side arrived across the border with six wins from six and produced another impressive display against the reigning champions, twice having the ball in the net during the first half and striking the woodwork on two occasions.

However, despite more than matching the hosts for much of the contest, an 88th-minute winner proved the difference as Barry suffered their first defeat of the campaign.

Jenkins made three changes to the side that defeated Briton Ferry on Bank Holiday Monday, with captain Callum Sainty, Daniel Barton and Noah Daley coming into the starting XI, the latter making his full debut for the club.

Barry made a bright start and Owen Cuddihy caused plenty of problems down the left. His early cross towards Daley and Elliott Dugan was cleared behind before Owen Brain’s resulting corner found Sainty, whose deflected header earned another corner. Will Richards met the second delivery but headed wide.

The Town thought they had taken the lead after just eight minutes. Mikey George did brilliantly to get into the TNS penalty area before the ball eventually found Daley, who turned and struck the post. The rebound sparked a scramble inside the area before George found the back of the net, but celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

At the other end, Sainty produced an excellent challenge inside the Barry penalty area to halt a TNS attack, despite appeals from the home support for a penalty.

Cuddihy continued to cause problems, producing a crunching challenge before carrying the ball beyond three TNS players, but the afternoon was unfortunately cut short for Owen when he was forced off through injury on the half-hour mark. James Lester replaced him, with Ellis Williams moving across to left-back.

Despite TNS enjoying more possession, Barry restricted the hosts to very few clear-cut opportunities and continued to threaten themselves.

The Town then had the ball in the net for a second time in the 37th minute. Brain delivered a free-kick into the TNS penalty area, with the ball eventually looping towards Dugan, who headed beyond the goalkeeper and into the net. However, the referee spotted an infringement and awarded TNS a free-kick, meaning Dugan’s effort was ruled out and the score remained 0-0.

It meant Barry had found the back of the net twice during the opening 45 minutes without either goal counting – George’s effort being disallowed for offside following a VAR check, before Dugan’s header was chalked off after the referee awarded the hosts a free-kick.

Theo Wharton then produced an important block to deny the hosts inside the penalty area before Barry saw out six minutes of first-half stoppage time to head into the break level.

Barry almost made the perfect start to the second half.

Brain won a free-kick just outside the TNS penalty area before stepping up and striking the post with a superb effort, leaving the hosts breathing another sigh of relief.

George Ratcliffe comfortably dealt with a long-range effort at the other end before Barry threatened again. Wharton found Brain with a clever pass and the midfielder looked set to round the goalkeeper before a TNS defender made a crucial intervention to concede a corner.

Brain’s resulting set-piece was eventually recycled before he was fouled again on the right-hand side. His free-kick found Daley at the back post, whose header towards goal was ruled out for offside.

Daley’s full debut came to an end shortly afterwards as Daniel Smith was introduced in his place.

Barry continued to defend superbly as TNS attempted to find a breakthrough. George threw himself in front of a dangerous effort in the 66th minute, while Lester, Richards and Sainty all produced important clearances as the pressure began to build.

Wharton continued to cover plenty of ground in midfield for Jenkins’ side, while Sainty led by example at the back with another superb standing challenge as the game entered its closing stages.

Barry continued to carry a threat on the counter, with Smith winning possession before finding substitute Jack Shaw, whose cross into the penalty area was eventually cleared.

With three minutes of normal time remaining, Ratcliffe produced a fantastic stop to deny what looked certain to be the opening goal.

However, Barry’s resistance was finally broken in the 88th minute as TNS found the breakthrough to make it 1-0.

The hosts almost doubled their advantage in stoppage time, but Ratcliffe was once again on hand to produce another excellent save and keep the deficit at one.

The final whistle confirmed Barry’s first defeat of the campaign, bringing an end to their six-match winning run and leaving Jenkins’ side with a record of six wins and one defeat from their opening seven league matches.

It was a cruel conclusion to an impressive performance from The Town, who twice found the net in the first half without either goal standing, struck the woodwork through Daley and Brain and pushed the champions all the way until the closing stages.

Barry leave Oswestry empty-handed, but with plenty of positives after a performance that arguably deserved at least a point.

Full Time: The New Saints 1-0 Barry Town United

Attendance: 412

Match Preview: The New Saints vs Barry Town United

The Town are heading across the border.

Barry Town United are crossing the Welsh-English border this Saturday as Steve Jenkins’ side travel to Oswestry to face The New Saints in a huge early-season clash at Park Hall.

The Town head into Matchday Seven with a perfect record of six wins from six in the Novira Cymru Premier and will be looking to extend their remarkable start to the campaign on English soil.

With Barry sitting top of the table and TNS close behind, Saturday’s fixture promises to be one of the standout games of the season so far.

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

The Town then made it three wins from three with a 1-0 victory over Cardiff Met at Jenner Park before making the long journey to north Wales to face Holywell Town. Despite falling behind, Barry responded strongly to secure a 3-1 victory and maintain their perfect start.

A 4-2 victory over Airbus UK Broughton followed at Jenner Park, before Jenkins’ side rounded off an outstanding August with another impressive performance on Bank Holiday Monday.

Barry travelled to Briton Ferry Llansawel looking to make it six wins from six and did exactly that, returning home with an emphatic 4-1 victory.

Elliott Dugan was the star of the afternoon, scoring a hat-trick to help The Town maintain their 100% league record and ensure they head across the border this Saturday full of confidence.

Six played. Six won. Now, Barry face arguably their biggest test of the campaign so far.

The Opposition

Nickname: TNS
Founded: 1959 – originally formed as Llansantffraid F.C. in Powys, Wales
Manager: Craig Harrison
Distance from Jenner Park: 137 miles (Google Maps)

Despite competing in the Welsh football pyramid, The New Saints have played their home matches across the border in Oswestry, England, since moving permanently to Park Hall in 2007.

The club’s roots remain firmly in Wales, having originally been formed as Llansantffraid F.C. in the village of Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain in Powys before later merging with Oswestry Town.

That means Saturday’s fixture will see Barry leave Wales and cross into England in search of a seventh consecutive Cymru Premier victory.

TNS have also made an unbeaten start to their domestic campaign, taking 16 points from a possible 18 across their opening six league fixtures.

Craig Harrison’s side began the season with a goalless draw away at Penybont before putting together five consecutive victories.

Those wins have come against Haverfordwest County, Briton Ferry Llansawel, Cardiff Met, Colwyn Bay and Caernarfon Town, setting up an intriguing meeting between the league’s top two.

TNS have established themselves as the dominant force in Welsh domestic football in recent years, making Saturday’s trip across the border another significant test for Jenkins’ new-look Barry side.

However, with six consecutive victories behind them, The Town will make the journey to England looking to maintain their perfect record.

First against second. Two unbeaten sides. Wales against England – at least geographically. Something has to give at Park Hall.

Match Details

📅 Date: Saturday 5th September 2026
🏟️ Venue: Park Hall, Oswestry, England
Kick-off: 17:15
🎟️ Match Tickets: Available via TNS’ Fanbase ticketing platform

How to Follow

If you can’t make the trip across the border on Saturday, 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, keeping supporters updated with all the key moments from Park Hall.

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 fixture throughout the 2026/27 campaign.

The clubhouse at Jenner Park will also be showing the match live, with club SLO Steve and plenty of fellow Barry supporters watching on for those unable to make the journey across the border.

A full match report will also be available on the Barry Town United website on Monday evening.

Six from six. Top of the table. Next stop: England.

#YourTownYourTeam