Tag Archives: First team

New to the Cymru Premier

With the new Novira Cymru Premier season around the corner we take a look at the six new clubs joining us next season.

The league has increased from 12 to 16 teams which means we have plenty of new clubs to take on this campaign.

Airbus UK Broughton

Airbus UK are no strangers to the top flight of Welsh football having spent 16 of the previous 20 seasons in the Cymru Premier.

The Wingmen last played in the top flight in 22/23 but finished 12th and were immediately relegated back down to the Cymru North. After three seasons away Airbus secured their return to the new look Cymru Premier after finishing 2nd in the Cymru North.

Mark Allen has been in charge of The Wingmen since 2023 and has gone on to manage 115 matches, winning 89 and losing just 15. The 49-year-old has been involved with Airbus for nine years having previously started out as a coach in 2017.

Town’s first meeting of 26/27 with The Wingmen will take place at Jenner Park Stadium on Friday 28th August kicking off at 19:45.

Steve Jenkins’ Town will then make the trip North on Friday 5th February with kick off again scheduled for 19:45.

The Flintshire based club play their home games at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium (The Airfield) which holds 1,600 fans. The journey from Jenner Park Stadium will take just over three hours and Town fans will cover 164 miles making the journey.

Ammanford AFC

Ammanford secured promotion to the Cymru Premier last season by finishing 3rd and securing the final promotion spot. The Town pipped Caerau Ely to 3rd spot by finish just three points ahead of the Young Guns. Ammanford won 17 of their 30 matches in the Cymru South last term..

Last seasons promotion was a historic one for Town as the club is now gearing towards their first ever season in the top flight of Welsh football. Ammanford secured their spot in the Cymru Premier on the final day with a dramatic comeback win at Cwmbran Celtic.

Despite the club being new to the Cymru Premier it’s a completely different story for manager Wyn Thomas. Thomas made 447 appearances in the top flight scoring 58 goals. The now Ammanford boss represented the likes of Swansea Uni, Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest County, Camarthen and Llanelli. The 47-year-old took charge of Ammanford in August 2024 and has so far gone on to manage 64 matches recording an impressive 30 wins and a promotion.

Our first clash with the newcomers will be at Jenner Park on Tuesday 15th September with kicking off at 19:45. We then make the trip west along the M4 in the festive period with us heading to Ammanford on December 18th. Ammanford play their home matches at The Recreation Ground which holds up to 2,000 fans on match days.

The journey from Camarthenshire from Jenner Park will take approximately an hour and 10 minutes with the journey along the M4.

Cambrian United

Cambrian United will play in the top flight of Welsh football for the first time in their history in 2026/27.

The Cam Army finished 2nd in the Cymru South last campaign finishing on 76 points. Cambrian won 24 out of their 30 matches last term. Town last played United back in December in the semi finals of the Nathaniel MG Cup Town came out on top that day with a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Will Richards, Ollie Hulbert and Ben Margetson.

We of course went on to lift the MG Cup last season with Ieuan Owen bagging a brace as we defeated The New Saints at DragonBet Stadium.

Liam Williams has been in charge of The Cam Army since July 2024 and has managed the club on 75 occasions. The 35-year-old has won 46 matches and has now secured an historic promotion too.

Cambrian are our first opponents of the 26/27 season with the newcomers making the trip to Jenner Park on Friday 31st July. We then return to the venue of our Nathaniel MG Cup semi final win in November with our second meeting against the Cam Army due to take place on Friday 6th November.

The Cymru Premier debutants play their home games in Clydach at M&P Group 3G. The journey from Jenner Park is a short one with it taking just 45 minutes by car to get to the home of The Cam Army.Town fans will cover around 20 miles during the trip up the A470.

Holywell Town

Holywell Town earned promotion last campaign after finishing in the top three of the Cymru North.

The Wellmen will return to the top flight of Welsh football this coming season for the first time in 27 years. The Flintshire based club won 18 of their 30 games last campaign and finished 12 points clear of fourth placed Newtown to secure their return to the Cymru Premier. Hollywell did win the Cymru North title in 23/24 but the club failed to secure a tier one license and remained in the second tier. The Wellmen held a spot in the top three ever since gameweek three last season.

Johnny Haseldin has been in charge of Holywell since 2012 and has gone on to manage over 170 matches so far. The 44-year-old has won 117 matches during his time at Bartons North Wales Stadium.

Town make the trip to Flintshire early on in the season with our first clash with The Wellmen set for Friday 21st August. The return fixture at Jenner Park is set for Friday 12th February.

Both games are set to kick off at 19:45.

Llandudno

Llandudno were last season Cymru North champions and are the penultimate new team we look at ahead of our season opener next Friday.

The Seasiders won 26 of their 30 matches and just lost twice in the league all season last term. The reigning Cymru North champions are back in the Cymru Premier for the first time in seven years. Llandudno clinched the title with a 4-1 win over Guilsfield on Easter Monday.

The Seasiders were led to the title by the youngest manager in the Cymru League with Jordan Hadaway who is just 24-years-old. Hadaway has been in charge since 2023 and has so far gone on to manage 111 matches. Out of those 111 Llandudno have won 63.

Town’s first meeting with The Seasiders in 26/27 comes in September. Hadaway’s men visit Jenner Park on the 11th September.

Town then make the trip North later in the year with our clash at Go Goodwins stadium set for Friday 20th November.

Trefelin BGC

The final new team we look at ahead of 2026/27 is Trefelin BGC who finished as champions in the Cymru South last campaign.

Trefelin will play in the top flight of Welsh football for the first time in their history this upcoming season. The Port Talbot based club amassed 78 points last campaign winning 25 of their 30 league games.

Andy Hill is the man in charge of the Cymru Premier boys and has been ever since 2023. The 47-year-old has taken charge of 96 games with the Port Talbot club and has won 56.

Our first clash with Trefelin comes on October 30th with us hosting the newcomers.

We then make the trip West in our final game of Phase One on March 26th.

By Tierre Miller

Match Report: Barry Town United 0-1 Gloucester City AFC

Barry Town United’s unbeaten pre-season campaign came to an end as Gloucester City claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at Jenner Park in The Town’s final friendly ahead of the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season. The fixture also marked a historic occasion for the club, with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology being used at Jenner Park for the first time ever, playing a decisive role in the game’s only goal.

Despite seeing plenty of the ball throughout the afternoon, Barry were unable to find a way past the Gloucester defence in a scrappy contest decided by a first-half penalty.

The opening exchanges offered little in the way of clear-cut chances, with both sides taking time to settle into the game. Barry registered the first effort on target after six minutes when Sion Spence tested the Gloucester goalkeeper with a low strike that was comfortably gathered.

The visitors responded two minutes later as Tom Owen-Evans fired wide of George Ratcliffe’s goal before Ashley Hemmings forced a routine save from the Barry goalkeeper on 14 minutes.

As the half progressed, both teams looked to play attractive football, but the contest became increasingly stop-start with possession regularly changing hands. Gloucester’s Cross blazed an effort comfortably over the crossbar before Barry produced one of their best moves of the half. Owen Brain and Jadyn Crosbie combined well before Spence switched play to Joshua Bernard, whose dangerous cross was eventually cleared.

The game’s decisive moment arrived just after the half-hour mark. James Lester was adjudged to have fouled a Gloucester attacker, with the referee pointing to the penalty spot despite Barry appeals that the challenge had occurred outside the area. Following a VAR review, the original decision stood, allowing Ashley Hemmings to calmly convert from the spot and hand the visitors the lead in the 34th minute.

Barry looked for an immediate response before the break. Crosbie’s driving run won a corner that Will Richards headed over the bar before Elliott Dugan came closest to an equaliser, seeing an acrobatic overhead kick drift narrowly over in first-half stoppage time.

The second half struggled to find any real rhythm, with neither goalkeeper regularly called into action during the opening stages. Ratcliffe produced a solid save to deny Gloucester early in the half before Joshua Bernard delivered an inviting cross that just evaded the stretching Dugan.

Owen Cuddihy provided a spark for Barry with an excellent run that beat two defenders before winning a corner, although Brain’s delivery was claimed comfortably by the goalkeeper.

As the game entered its final stages, Barry continued to push for a leveller. Jadyn Crosbie appealed for a penalty after going down inside the area from a Spence corner, but the referee waved away the claims.

Spence then picked out Cuddihy with a superb long pass before another corner came to nothing, while substitute Jack Shaw attempted to release Mikey George with a clever ball over the top that was collected by the advancing Gloucester goalkeeper.

Barry’s best chance of the closing stages fell to Crosbie, who produced an impressive solo run through the heart of the Gloucester defence before seeing his effort blocked.

Despite a spirited finish, Barry were unable to break down the visitors, bringing an end to a successful pre-season campaign that saw Steve Jenkins’ side record five wins from six matches before attentions now turn to the start of the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season.

Starting XI: 

George Ratcliffe, Joshua Bernard, Will Richards, James Lester, Ellis Williams, Owen Cuddihy, Theo Wharton, Sion Spence, Owen Brain, Elliott Dugan, Jadyn Crosbie.

Barry Town United vs Gloucester City AFC Supporters Information – 25/07.26

SLO Steve has put together this supporters information pack for both Barry and Gloucester fans ahead of this Saturday’s pre-season fixture at Jenner Park!

Come and #BackTheTown this Saturday, with just over a week left until the start of the 26/27 league campaign!

Get your tickets here- https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=18927

26/27 Player Sponsorships now available

Barry Town United can now confirm that player sponsorship packages are available to purchase ahead of the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier campaign.

For just £75, you can sponsor a player and receive a range of exclusive benefits, including:

  • Collecting your sponsored player’s shirt at the end of the season.

  • A dedicated social media post thanking you for sponsoring a Barry Town United player.

  • Your name featured beneath your sponsored player’s photo in every matchday programme.

For more information, please contact daley.chapman@barrytown.co.uk.

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

Owen Brain signs for Barry Town United

Barry Town United are delighted to announce the signing of Owen Brain from Taunton Town for an undisclosed fee.

The talented English midfielder makes the move across the Severn Bridge to Jenner Park after spending the last two seasons with Taunton Town in the National League South.

Despite his young age, Owen arrives with a wealth of experience across the English non-league pyramid, having represented Yate Town, Merthyr Town, Bristol Manor Farm, Gloucester AFC and, most recently, Taunton Town.

A technically gifted and creative player, Owen is capable of operating across the attacking line and is renowned for his eye for a pass, close control and ability to unlock defences. He scored his first senior goal during a loan spell at Yate Town in October 2021 and has continued to contribute with goals and assists throughout his career.

Owen joins Steve Jenkins’ squad ahead of the new Novira Cymru Premier campaign and will have the opportunity to build fitness and integrate with his new teammates during the club’s remaining pre-season fixtures.

Everyone at Barry Town United would like to extend a warm welcome to Owen and wish him every success in the Yellow and Blue.

Match Preview: Weymouth FC vs Barry Town United

Pre Season Friendly #5

Image - @PerryDobbins1

Barry Town United head across the Prince of Wales Bridge this weekend as they travel to the Bob Lucas Stadium to face Weymouth FC in their fifth pre-season fixture.

The Town will be looking to continue their impressive run of form as preparations for the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season gather pace.

Barry have enjoyed a perfect pre-season so far, winning all four of their opening fixtures. The campaign began with a 2-1 victory away to Goytre United, before a 3-1 home win over Goytre FC at Jenner Park. The Town then claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Yate Town, followed by another home success on Tuesday evening against Trethomas Bluebirds.

The Opposition

Nickname: The Terras
Founded: 1890
Last Season: 19th – Southern League Premier Division South
This Season: Southern League Division One South

Weymouth FC begin life in the Southern League Division One South following relegation from the Southern League Premier Division South last season.

The Terras will be hoping to make an immediate return to the division above and have strengthened their squad ahead of the new campaign with the additions of Toby Holmes, Gerard Benfield, Mitch Beardmore, Wes Fogden and Lewis Brown.

Pre-Season Results

  • Gosport Borough 2–2 Weymouth FC /
  • Sholing FC 1–1 Weymouth FC

Match Details

Date: Saturday 18th July 2026
Venue: Bob Lucas Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Tickets: https://uptheterras.co.uk/wfc-tickets/psf-barrytown/

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

Novira Cymru Premier Fixtures 2026/27 Phase 1

Our fixtures for the new look 16 team Novira Cymru Premier have been officially revealed this morning.

We begin our campaign at the end of July when we welcome Cymru South runners up Cambrian United to Jenner Park Stadium.

Our first match of August sees us hit the road for the first time in 26/27 when we travel North to Flint.

Rhys Griffiths will bring his Penybont side to Barry on Boxing Day before we head to Cardiff to take on Cardiff Met on New Years Eve.

The New Saints are the last visitors to Jenner Park in Phase One with Craig Harrison’s side making the trip on March 19th.

We conclude phase one on the road at Trefelin BGC on March 26th.

FULL FIXTURE LIST

July

Friday 31st  – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Cambrian United 

August

Friday 7th – 19:45 – Flint Town United vs Barry Town

Friday 14th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Cardiff Met

Friday 21st – 19:45 – Holywell Town vs Barry Town United

Friday 28th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Airbus UK Broughton

Monday 31st – 14:30 – Briton Ferry Llansawel vs Barry Town United

September 

Friday 4th – 19:45 – The New Saints vs Barry Town United

Friday 11th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Llandudno

Tuesday 15th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Ammanford

Friday 18th – 19:45 – Colwyn Bay vs Barry Town United

Saturday 26th – 14:30 – Barry Town United vs Connah’s Quay Nomads

October

Sat 3rd – 14:30 – Caernarfon Town vs Barry Town United

Friday 9th – 19:45 – Penybont vs Barry Town United

Friday 23rd – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Haverfordwest County

Friday 30th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Trefelin BGC

November

Friday 6th – 19:45 – Cambrian United vs Barry Town United

Friday 20th – 19:45 – Llandudno vs Barry Town United

Friday 27th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Caernarfon Town

December 

Saturday 5th – 14:30 – Barry Town United vs Colwyn Bay

Friday 18th – 19:45 – Ammanford vs Barry Town United

Saturday 26th – 12:00 – Barry Town United vs Penybont

Thursday 31st – 12:30 – Cardiff Met vs Barry Town United

January

Friday 22nd – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Flint Town United

February 

Friday 5th – 19:45 – Airbus UK Broughton vs Barry Town United

Friday 12th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Holywell Town

Friday 19th – 19:45 – Connah’s Quay Nomads vs Barry Town United

Friday 26th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs Briton Ferry Llansawel

March

Friday 12th – 19:45 – Haverfordwest County vs Barry Town United

Friday 19th – 19:45 – Barry Town United vs The New Saints

Friday 26th – 19:45 – Trefelin BGC vs Barry Town United

*All fixtures subject to change

Retained List 2026/2027 Season

Barry Town United are pleased to announce our retained player list for the 2026/2027 season. Barry Town United would like to thank all players for their efforts and endeavour during this historical season and wish the players moving on all the best in their future.

Players Under Contract:

George Ratcliffe

Joseph Thomas

Michael George

Callum Sainty

Keston Davies

Will Richards

Ellis Williams

Owen Cuddihy

Daniel Barton

Rhys Schwank

Theo Wharton

Daniel Smith

Joshua Bernard

Players invited back fro Pre Season:

Joseph Beynon

Callum Huggins

Players Departing the club:

Ollie Hulbert

Ieuan Owen

Ben Margetson

Players Retiring:

Robbie Willmott

Ryan Kavanagh

Players returning to parent club:

Keenan Patten

Jac Norris

Club will continue to support:

Eliot Richards