Tag Archives: Match Reports

Match Report: Holywell Town 1-3 Barry Town United

Barry Town United maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier season with a 3-1 victory over Holywell Town at the Bartons North Wales Stadium.

Goals from Elliott Dugan, Owen Brain and Jack Shaw secured a fourth consecutive league victory for Steve Jenkins’ side, with Brain producing a moment of magic from a second-half free-kick before Shaw wrapped up the three points deep into stoppage time.

The victory leaves The Town top of the Cymru Premier with four wins from four.

First Half

Holywell got proceedings underway, but it was Barry who created the first real opportunity of the evening.

After winning an early corner, The Town went agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Mikey George’s long ball released Owen Cuddihy down the flank, who cut the ball back into the path of Owen Brain. The midfielder worked himself into space before curling a superb effort towards goal, only to see it crash back off the crossbar.

Barry thought they had found the breakthrough four minutes later. Cuddihy floated an inviting cross into the area and Jadyn Crosbie headed home, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside, with the decision subsequently confirmed following a VAR check.

Sion Spence was next to threaten as he drove into the Holywell penalty area, cut inside and fired narrowly over the crossbar.

Despite Barry’s positive start, it was the hosts who struck first on 15 minutes. Holywell broke quickly on the counter-attack before a composed finish put the Wellmen 1-0 ahead.

The Town responded well and began to apply sustained pressure on the Holywell defence. Josh Bernard’s cross found Crosbie, who held the ball up before laying it into the path of Brain. His first effort was saved before Barry quickly recycled possession, with Spence sending the ball across the area. Brain regained possession, beat two defenders, but was once again denied by the goalkeeper.

Spence then sent a free-kick over the crossbar before Cuddihy tried his luck from distance as Barry continued searching for an equaliser.

The pressure finally paid off on 31 minutes.

Elliott Dugan won Barry a corner which Brain delivered into a crowded penalty area. Holywell struggled to clear their lines and, following a scramble inside the box, Dugan reacted quickest to bundle the ball home and restore parity.

Barry almost completed the turnaround immediately afterwards when Cuddihy delivered another dangerous cross into the area, but neither Spence nor Crosbie could apply the finishing touch.

The visitors continued to push as half-time approached. Dugan, Crosbie and Bernard combined well to win another corner before Theo Wharton produced an excellent long pass to release Cuddihy. Brain eventually took over and drove into the penalty area, but his effort was deflected before Holywell cleared.

Deep into eight minutes of first-half stoppage time, Dugan was released by Crosbie and saw an effort deflected into the goalkeeper’s hands, while Spence also had a late attempt blocked following a Bernard free-kick.

The sides went into the interval level at 1-1.

Second Half

Barry started the second half on the front foot and continued to create opportunities from set-pieces.

Brain forced another corner after taking matters into his own hands in the 50th minute, beating his man before seeing his effort deflected behind at the final moment.

However, the game threatened to swing in Holywell’s favour when the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute, with Bernard shown a yellow card. Following a lengthy VAR check, the original decision stood.

But George Ratcliffe came to Barry’s rescue.

The goalkeeper guessed correctly and produced a superb save low to his right to keep the scores level and deny Holywell the opportunity to regain the lead.

The hosts went close again eight minutes later when they managed to take the ball beyond Ratcliffe, but Bernard recovered brilliantly to clear the ball off the line.

That intervention proved crucial.

Cuddihy produced an excellent run in the 71st minute, winning possession back before driving towards the Holywell penalty area and drawing a foul on the edge of the box.

Up stepped Owen Brain.

The midfielder curled a brilliant free-kick over the wall and beyond the goalkeeper to give Barry a deserved 2-1 lead, adding another memorable goal to his impressive start in a yellow and blue shirt.

Dugan thought he had added a third shortly afterwards when he rounded the goalkeeper and found the net, but the striker was flagged offside.

Holywell began to pile on the pressure as the game entered its closing stages, with Jenkins introducing Daniel Smith before Jack Shaw and Daniel Barton were also brought into the action.

The hosts continued searching for an equaliser, but Barry’s defence stood firm.

Then, four minutes into stoppage time, Jack Shaw put the result beyond doubt.

Shaw raced through one-on-one with the Holywell goalkeeper before emphatically smashing the ball into the back of the net. A VAR check followed, but the goal was confirmed to spark celebrations amongst The Town.

The final whistle eventually sounded with Barry securing a 3-1 victory and another three points on the road.

Four games. Four victories.

A perfect start to the season and top of the Novira Cymru Premier.

Full-Time

Holywell Town 1-3 Barry Town United

⚽ Elliott Dugan
⚽ Owen Brain
⚽ Jack Shaw

Barry Town United

Starting XI: George Ratcliffe, Mikey George, Ellis Williams, Jadyn Crosbie, Owen Brain, Theo Wharton, James Lester, Owen Cuddihy, Josh Bernard, Elliott Dugan, Sion Spence.

Substitutes: Daniel Barton, Rhys Schwank, Daniel Smith, Jack Shaw, Joe Case, Keegan Saunders.

Match Report: Barry Town United 1-0 Cardiff Met

Barry Town United continued their perfect start to the Novira Cymru Premier season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cardiff Met at Jenner Park.

Daniel Smith proved to be the match-winner for The Town, heading home the rebound after Jack Shaw saw his late penalty saved, as Steve Jenkins’ side made it three wins from three to start the new league campaign.

First Half

Cardiff Met got the game underway, but it was Barry who looked to make the early running. George Ratcliffe’s long ball forward gave Elliott Dugan the opportunity to put goalkeeper Arron Davies under pressure in the fourth minute, but the Met stopper gathered safely.

The Town won their first corner four minutes later following good work from Jadyn Crosbie down the right. Owen Brain played it short, combining with Sion Spence and Joshua Bernard, before the visitors eventually cleared.

Met threatened from a set-piece in the 11th minute, with Ratcliffe punching the delivery away before Brain completed the clearance. The Barry goalkeeper required treatment shortly afterwards but was able to continue.

Barry began to produce some neat football as the half developed. Mikey George showed excellent footwork to beat his man before finding Bernard, whose attempted shot-cross struck Dugan, who was in an offside position.

Theo Wharton and Brain then combined well before Brain’s deflected cross fell to Spence, whose inviting delivery drifted beyond the goalkeeper and out of play.

Brain was at the heart of much of Barry’s attacking play and produced a superb outside-of-the-boot pass to release Owen Cuddihy down the left. His cross was deflected away before it could reach Dugan, with the resulting corner punched clear by Davies.

Cardiff Met’s Sam Jones was shown the first yellow card of the afternoon in the 27th minute following an aerial collision with James Lester.

A minute later came Barry’s first clear sight of goal. Crosbie found space and unleashed a powerful effort, but his strike continued to rise and cleared the crossbar.

Met responded almost immediately when Fumpa Mwandwe found himself with an opportunity from close range, but his effort went over Ratcliffe’s goal.

Wharton then won possession just outside the Cardiff Met penalty area and found Dugan, whose first-time effort was comfortably gathered by Davies.

The visitors were forced into an early change in the 36th minute, with Ryan Reynolds making way for Myles McKenzie.

Chances became limited as the interval approached, although Dugan saw a dangerous cross cleared following a quick Barry break before Jack Veale’s attempted overhead kick at the other end failed to trouble Ratcliffe.

The two sides therefore went into the break level.

Half-time: Barry Town United 0-0 Cardiff Met

Second Half

Barry restarted the contest, but Met created the first opportunity of the second period. A shot inside the Barry penalty area was blocked by George before Jones headed the resulting corner wide.

The Town immediately responded. Brain’s long pass found Bernard, who moved the ball onto George. The defender took on his man before firing an effort towards goal, but Davies was equal to it.

Barry continued to apply pressure, winning successive corners through Brain, but the visitors’ defence stood firm.

At the other end, Ratcliffe was called into action just before the hour mark. Mwandwe cut inside from the left and sent a curling effort towards goal which looked destined for the net, only for the Barry goalkeeper to produce an excellent save and tip the ball over the crossbar.

Jenkins made his first change on the hour, introducing Jack Shaw in place of Crosbie.

Met continued to threaten, with Toby Raison heading wide before a promising attack broke down when Cuddihy made an important interception inside the Barry penalty area.

Barry made a double change in the 66th minute as Daniel Barton and Daniel Smith replaced Brain and Dugan.

Shaw almost made an immediate impact. The substitute broke free and drove into the Met penalty area before sending his effort narrowly over the crossbar in the 69th minute.

He threatened again moments later, only for James Clarke to make a well-timed challenge before Shaw could get his shot away.

The Town were beginning to turn up the pressure. Spence delivered a series of corners into the Met penalty area, with Smith seeing one header gathered by Davies.

Shaw continued to cause problems with his direct running, while Smith saw an effort deflected behind as Barry searched for the breakthrough.

That breakthrough finally arrived following another Spence corner in the 78th minute. After Met initially dealt with the delivery, Barton was brought down inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

Shaw stepped up to take the penalty, but Davies produced the save. The danger wasn’t over, however, as the ball looped into the air and Daniel Smith reacted quickest to head home the rebound and put Barry 1-0 ahead in the 80th minute.

Cardiff Met pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but Barry’s defence stood strong.

Ratcliffe comfortably claimed a long ball into his area before dealing with a Met free-kick in the 87th minute. George then produced an important challenge to stop a potential counter-attack before Ellis Williams headed another dangerous delivery clear.

Five minutes of additional time were indicated, but Barry remained organised as Met continued to push bodies forward.

The Town almost sealed the points in the 93rd minute when Bernard produced an excellent run into the penalty area, cut back onto his left foot and sent his effort just over the top corner.

Met had one final opportunity when Clarke headed over from close range, but Barry held on to secure another three points and preserve their perfect start to the league season.

Full-time: Barry Town United 1-0 Cardiff Met

Barry Town United

Starting XI: George Ratcliffe, Mikey George, Ellis Williams, Jadyn Crosbie, Owen Brain, Theo Wharton, James Lester, Owen Cuddihy, Joshua Bernard, Elliott Dugan, Sion Spence.

Substitutes: Daniel Barton, Rhys Schwank, Daniel Smith, Jack Shaw, Case, Saunders.

Cardiff Met

Starting XI: Arron Davies, Jack Veale, James Clarke, Ryan Reynolds, CJ Craven, Jasper Payne, Sam Jones, Fumpa Mwandwe, Spencer Dymond-Hall, Aaron Wildig, Toby Raison.

Substitutes: Will Howard, Tom English, Bailey Gaughan, Myles McKenzie, Harri John, Ollie Good, Harrison Matthews.

Match Report: Flint Town United 2-3 Barry Town United

Owen Brain struck twice, including an 89th-minute winner, as Barry Town United came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Flint Town United at the Essity Stadium.

Elliott Dugan gave The Town an early lead before goals from Joe Malkin and Harry Dean turned the game around for the hosts. Brain levelled shortly after half-time before popping up in the closing stages to secure all three points for Barry.

First Half

Barry started positively and created their first opening after four minutes when Owen Brain’s corner was gathered by the Flint goalkeeper.

Just two minutes later, The Town had the breakthrough. Elliott Dugan found the back of the net in the sixth minute to give Barry an early 1-0 lead.

However, Flint were handed an opportunity to respond when the referee awarded the hosts a penalty in the 10th minute. Following a VAR check, the decision stood and Joe Malkin converted from the spot two minutes later to make it 1-1.

Barry looked to regain their advantage immediately. Owen Cuddihy produced a brilliant run down the flank before seeing his initial effort blocked and his second attempt cleared.

Brain was next to threaten, with his 16th-minute strike deflected behind for a corner. He stepped up to take the resulting set-piece, but the short-corner routine came to nothing.

The hosts completed the turnaround in the 24th minute. After another VAR check confirmed the referee’s decision, Harry Dean found the net to put Flint 2-1 ahead.

Despite trailing, Barry continued to see plenty of the ball and applied pressure, but a well-organised Flint defence made chances difficult to come by.

Flint threatened from a corner in the 36th minute, although the ball eventually found the side-netting.

Barry then enjoyed a promising spell. Cuddihy did well down the left before finding Sion Spence, whose effort dragged wide. Mikey George then produced an excellent run and combined with Spence before the ball eventually fell to Dugan, who fired over the crossbar.

Captain Callum Sainty tried his luck from the edge of the area shortly afterwards, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by the Flint goalkeeper.

Dugan required treatment after an aerial challenge in the 41st minute but was able to continue.

Flint came agonisingly close to extending their advantage two minutes later when an effort crashed against the crossbar, with Barry somehow escaping without conceding a third.

Four minutes of additional time were indicated, and Spence had the final opportunity of the half when he fired over the bar.

Half-time: Flint Town United 2-1 Barry Town United

Second Half

Barry came out looking for a response after the break, with Brain delivering a cross into the penalty area in the 49th minute which was claimed by the Flint goalkeeper.

Dugan then produced a driving run into the box before Spence saw an effort deflected and cleared.

Flint responded with two opportunities of their own, but George Ratcliffe was called into action twice in quick succession, first denying a shot from inside the area before keeping out a header moments later.

Those saves proved important as Barry drew level in the 54th minute.

Owen Brain found the back of the net to make it 2-2 and bring The Town right back into the contest.

Sainty required treatment shortly after the equaliser but was able to carry on.

Brain continued to cause problems for the Flint defence and delivered an excellent cross from the left in the 62nd minute, but Spence was unable to get the decisive touch.

Steve Jenkins made his first change a minute later as Jack Shaw replaced Jadyn Crosbie.

Barry continued to search for a third, with another Brain corner travelling through the penalty area before eventually being cleared.

A second change followed in the 69th minute, with Daniel Smith replacing opening goalscorer Dugan.

Flint then began to build momentum and Barry needed a crucial intervention from Will Richards in the 71st minute, with the defender clearing off the line following a scramble inside the box.

The hosts went close again three minutes later when a dangerous cross somehow evaded everyone inside the Barry penalty area.

At the other end, Smith went down inside the box in the 80th minute, but the referee waved away Barry’s appeals.

Shaw was shown a yellow card two minutes later for a high boot before Smith also entered the referee’s book in the 87th minute.

Then came the decisive moment.

With just a minute of normal time remaining, Sainty’s initial effort from close range was saved, but Brain was quickest to react to the rebound and bundled the ball home to send Barry 3-2 ahead.

It was Brain’s second goal of the evening and completed an impressive second-half turnaround for The Town.

Six additional minutes were indicated, giving Flint one final opportunity to rescue something from the contest.

Ratcliffe produced another important save in the 91st minute to deny a Flint effort from inside the penalty area, before Smith went down in the opposite box three minutes later while attempting to get a shot away, but once again no penalty was awarded.

Barry saw out the remaining minutes to secure a dramatic victory on the road and continue their winning start to the Novira Cymru Premier campaign.

Full-time: Flint Town United 2-3 Barry Town United

Barry Town United Starting XI

31. George Ratcliffe
2. Michael George
3. Ellis Williams
4. Callum Sainty (C)
9. Jadyn Crosbie
10. Owen Brain
15. Theo Wharton
17. Owen Cuddihy
20. Elliott Dugan
23. Sion Spence
24. Will Richards

Substitutes: Joe Thomas (GK), Daniel Smith, James Lester, Joshua Bernard, Jack Shaw, Joseph Case, Keegan Saunders.

Barry substitutions:
63′ – Jack Shaw replaced Jadyn Crosbie
69′ – Daniel Smith replaced Elliott Dugan

Goals: Elliott Dugan 6′, Owen Brain 54′, 89′

Match Report: Barry Town United 2-1 Cambrian United

Barry Town United opened their 2026/27 Novira Cymru Premier campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over league newcomers Cambrian United, as Daniel Smith’s stoppage-time winner secured all three points at Jenner Park.

Prior to kick-off, both clubs came together to pay tribute to Tony Barnett, observing a minute’s applause in his memory.

The visitors got proceedings underway, but it was Barry who settled into the contest quickest. After Josh Allen’s tame effort was comfortably collected by George Ratcliffe in the fifth minute, The Town began to take control of possession.

Jack Shaw was at the heart of Barry’s best early moments. A superb piece of individual skill allowed the midfielder to release Owen Cuddihy down the left, whose dangerous delivery flashed across goal just beyond the reach of Elliott Dugan. Shaw then embarked on a driving run of his own minutes later, forcing a deflected effort that was gathered by the Cambrian goalkeeper.

Cambrian threatened sporadically, with Dylan Edwards firing over from distance before Jake Morris tested Ratcliffe with another long-range effort that the Barry goalkeeper dealt with comfortably.

Barry continued to create the clearer openings. Cuddihy once again found space down the left to deliver a cross towards Dugan, whose glancing header was deflected into the goalkeeper’s hands, before Sion Spence won a corner that ultimately came to nothing.

The visitors came closest to breaking the deadlock on the half-hour mark when Alex Bonthron raced clear on goal, only to lift his effort high over the crossbar with Ratcliffe closing him down.

With both defences standing firm during the closing stages of the half, the sides went into the interval level after an evenly contested opening 45 minutes.

Barry emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Just two minutes into the second half, Josh Bernard’s dangerous cross had to be tipped behind by the Cambrian goalkeeper, setting the tone for a strong spell of pressure.

The breakthrough arrived in the 49th minute. Spence’s corner was initially punched clear, but Barry quickly recycled possession through Bernard, whose inviting delivery found Callum Sainty. The skipper showed excellent technique to chest the ball down before producing a superb volley into the back of the net to give The Town a deserved lead.

Sainty continued to lead by example moments later, producing a perfectly timed goal-saving tackle before winning an important free-kick to relieve the pressure.

Barry searched for a second goal as Richards’ header from another Spence corner was comfortably held, while excellent defensive work denied Dugan and Jadyn Crosbie after the pair combined well inside the penalty area. Another teasing Cuddihy cross then caused confusion between the Cambrian goalkeeper and his defender, but Daniel Smith was unable to capitalise on the loose ball.

Despite Barry’s dominance, Cambrian found themselves level in the 70th minute when Liam Eason finished clinically to make it 1-1.

The equaliser lifted the visitors, who enjoyed their strongest spell of the match. Eason fired another effort over the crossbar before forcing Ratcliffe into an excellent save with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Barry almost reclaimed the advantage five minutes from time. Ellis Williams delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area where Spence rose highest, only to see his powerful header crash against the crossbar.

With the contest seemingly heading for a share of the spoils, Barry produced one final moment of quality deep into stoppage time. Following a brief coming together between the two sides before the restart, Owen Cuddihy delivered a dangerous free-kick into the six-yard area. Daniel Smith reacted quickest to the loose ball, smashing home from close range in the 91st minute to spark jubilant celebrations around Jenner Park.

Cambrian launched one final attack in search of another equaliser, but their last effort sailed over the bar before the referee brought an entertaining opening-night contest to an end.

Barry Town United begin the new Novira Cymru Premier season in perfect fashion, claiming all three points thanks to goals from captain Callum Sainty and substitute Daniel Smith.

Barry Town United vs Cambrian United lineup

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 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

Match Report | Barry Town 0 – 2 Connah’s Quay Nomads | Cymru Premier Playoff Conference

22nd February

Sam Durrant’s 90th minute goal sealed a 2-0 victory for Connah’s Quay as Phase 2 of the Cymru Premier heats up.

Andy Legg made one change as his side looked to make it six games unbeaten, January signing Owen Cuddihy replaced Michael George in the starting lineup, earning his first start or the club.

The Town started the game brightly, Ollie Hulbert saw his effort bounce off the crossbar in the fourth minute, teammate Evan Press did well to keep the ball alive at the byline and found the unmarked forward at the edge of the box.

In the 31st minute Robbie Willmott’s whipped corner kick threatened the Nomads, but it was well cleared by Kai Edwards to stop the Town taking the advantage.

Both sides found it difficult to settle into the match with minimal efforts on goal until the visitor’s opener, in the 41st minute Declan Poole made space on the right edge of the box and found unmarked teammate Noah Edwards, who slotted the ball past Liam Armstrong.

Dan Roberts was cautioned for a strong challenge on Ryan Kavanagh as tempers started to flair between both sets of players, moments later Callum Sainty was forced to come off the pitch with a non-contact injury, who received a flood of applause as he headed to the dressing room.

Kayne McLaggon saw his chance go narrowly wide of the post in the 55th minute, he managed to wriggle his way into the box from the right wing, at a tight angle his effort found the side netting to his frustration.

In the 63rd minute, Connah’s Quay looked to build on their lead through Max Woodcock, quick team play ended with his strike fizzing past the post. Minutes later, an identical shot hit the woodwork, causing chaos in the box, with Barry just managing to the clear the danger.

Armstrong was called into action in the 72nd minute, following a fast break, Sam Durrant’s was fed through by Rhys Hughes, his right footed attempt was blocked by the body of Armstrong to keep the Town in the match.

Barry upped the intensity in a bid to level the score but a brilliant double save by George Ratcliffe, with ten minutes left to play, denied the striking partnership of Ieuan Owen and Ollie Hulbert from close range to keep their lead untouched.

With seconds left to play the Town almost halved the deficit, Owen found space up the right wing and charged forward with the ball, supported by Hulbert, who Owen found with a cute pass, his first time strike was blocked by Ben Nash to seal a vital win for the visitors and prevent a last-minute comeback by the Town.

Barry Town turns their attention to Briton Ferry Llansawel with a trip away on Friday the 7th March, 7:45pm kick off.

Keenan Patten and Evan Press celebrated the second goal for Barry Town

RESULT: Barry 3 – 1 Flint

Barry Town 3 – 1 Flint Town | Cymru Premier | Play-off Conference
Saturday 1 February, 2025

A Keenan Patten brace inspired back-to-back wins for Barry as they keep their 100% record and remain top of the play-off table.

The first half saw a trio of goals as both sides traded blows in an entertaining encounter. Keenan Patten broke the deadlock two minutes into the game with a smart finish. Flint Towns’ Izaack Lambert replied from close range as Callum Sainty restored the lead with a back post tap in.

But an emphatic second half display rounded off by Patten’s second of the match rightfully earned the Town all three points.

Barry remained unchanged after last week’s 2 -1 win away at Aberystwyth, Ryan Kavanagh earned his third successive start as duo Ollie Hulbert and Kayne McLaggon led the line.

To break the deadlock a silky team move involving Michael George, Robbie Willmott and Ollie Hulbert down the right wing ended with Patten’s confident left footed finish, which he guided past Jack Flint and gave the Town a dream start.

Soon after Armstrong was met by a flurry of chances as Flint looked to restore the scoreline. Striker Elliot Reeves forced a stop with his low drilled attempt and Joshua Jones’ looping header gave Armstrong an easy claim.

After both teams settled into the game Ollie Hulbert was sent marauding forward running onto a Willmott pass, supported by Patten, who squared the ball across the edge of the area and found Ryan Kavanagh, with his right foot he almost doubled the hosts lead but his strike blazed narrowly over the crossbar.

Flint Towns leveller came in the 24th minute, a Jake Philips long throw-in caused chaos for the Town, Armstrong dropped the ball on his own goal line and in the frame of Lambert, who struck the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

Barry replied minutes later, Willmott swung his corner towards the head of Will Richards, who’s guided attempt struck the underside of the bar, in true poachers fashion Sainty was waiting to pounce on the rebound and gave the hosts the advantage once more.

With minutes left of the first interval Hulbert nearly doubled the lead, George played through Hulbert who cut inside from the right and fired towards goal, to his frustration, his shot was sent high over the bar with the score remaining 2-1 going into half time.

Barry didn’t step off the gas in the second half and came back out fierce in the press. Moments after the restart Kavanagh’s found himself on the right edge of the box, his tantalising cross needed all but a touch to find the net but there was no teammate in sight. In the 52nd minute Hulbert displayed a fine bit of skill to get free from his man, but his effort was dived on by Flint.

Sainty almost got a second, another dangerous corner from Willmott caused a scramble in the box where the ball fell to Barry’s no.4, who sent the ball high over the woodwork. At this point Barry was in total control of the affair, creating sustained attacks and gave Flint very little going forward.

The hosts continued to threaten down the right channel, Willmott played a delicate ball through to George, at the byline he floated the ball towards the unmarked Patten at the back post, on the half volley his first time strike agonisingly curled away from goal.

Seconds later Patten bagged his brace, Evan Press drove the ball up the left side, putting Lambert to the floor in the process, his whipped cross was spilt by Flint into Patten’s path who smashed the ball home wheeling away with delight.

Jones almost gave the visitors a lifeline at the death, teammate Isaac Lee found him open in the box, but his volleyed strike fizzed just wide of the post. Barry held on until the final whistle as they pick up successive wins with a trip to Newtown up next Saturday.

Barry Town – Armstrong, George, Sainty, Margetson, McLaggon © (Owen 72’), Patten, Wilmott, Hulbert (Snaith 78’), W Richards, Press, Kavanagh. Subs – Masrani, Yorwerth, E Richards, Snaith (Hulbert 78’), Lewis, Owen (McLaggon 72’), Bright.

Flint Town – Flint, Burke, Mariette, Owen ©, Phillips, Hughes (Hart 74’), Reeves (Maire 89’), Jones, Lambert (Collins 75’), Lee, Fofana. Subs – Murphy, Hart, Wynne, Brindley-Peagram, Maire, Morrison, Collins.

Kayne McLaggon

Penybont MG Nathaniel Cup Match Report

Match Report | Barry Town 3 – 2 Penybont

Author: Archie Tooth

Supersub Kayne McLaggon fired Barry through to the final four of the Nathaniel MG Cup with a 3-2 victory over Pen y Bont.

A brace from the inform Ollie Hulbert and an 80th minute winner from Kayne McLaggon earned Barry a hard-fought win to propel them into the semifinals for the first time in four years.

Five changes were made to Steve Jenkins’ side, Hulbert returned after being fully rested against Caerau Ely on Saturday. Luc Rees started in goal for the Town as Robbie Willmott, Elliot Richards and Ieuan Owen also came into the starting eleven.

Pen y Bont started brightly, in the fifth minute an Eduardo Bregua cross found defender Gabriel Kircough, who’s cushioned header looped over Luc Rees into the goal. Kircough came close to a second in the 27th minute when his header struck the crossbar.

Harrison Bright found space down the left wing for Barry throughout the first half but was unable to find a man free in yellow to threaten the visitors.

Pen y Bont keeper Michael Lewis was kept busy during the opening 45, denying Bright’s goal-bound strike in the 37th minute and claiming multiple of the Town’s crosses.

In the 34th minute Town’s star boy Hulbert scored the leveller, a Bright throw-in from distance caused chaos in the visitor box, unable to clear the ball, it found Hulbert who shifted it onto his favoured right foot and smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Kayne McLaggon

His second of the evening came ten minutes later, Bright provided a whipped cross for the Town’s no.22 to direct into the bottom left corner, making his tally for the season 11 in all competitions.

Late on in the first Ioan Philips failed to capitalize on an opportunity to tie the match for the visitors, his close-range effort was sent wide of the post to his disbelief.

Barry came close to extending their lead in the dying moments of the half but instinctive blocking from Pen y Bont defenders meant the score was 2-1 at halftime.

Tempers flared between players when Pen y Bont’s James Crole committed a rash off the ball challenge on Ben Margetson, to the anger of Barry only a yellow card was issued.

Keenan Patten saw his header go just wide of the goal to make it 3-1 in the 52nd minute. Bright key in the build-up played through Elliot Richards, on the run his lofted cut-back found the unmarked Patten who directed his header inches off target.

Barry keeper Luc Rees was put under unnecessary pressure when Josh Yorwerth played an unwelcomed back pass, the visitors no.14 forced Rees to scramble the ball out for a corner kick.

Following a fast break Crole found space in the box to pull the trigger, but Callum Sainty recovered excellently to deny their no.10 from levelling the tie. Crole did equalise eventually, in the 78th minute his right footed strike curled into the bottom right corner to make it 2-2.

It took only two minutes for the Barry to retake the lead. A stunning diagonal pass from Willmott found Hulbert on the left wing who chopped inside and found the unmarked McLaggon at the back post, his volley was struck low and hard into the bottom right corner.

Barry fought hard for the remaining minutes of the match; conservative ball retention gave the Town the rest bite they needed to see out the match and secure their place in the semifinals with the draw set for 8pm on the 28th October.

A trip to North Wales for Jenkins’ men next as they face newly promoted Flint Town at 2:30pm on Saturday 26th October.

Full Time: Barry Town 3 – 2 Pen y Bont

Barry Town: Armstrong, Sainty, Margetson, Yorwerth, Richards, Patten (Kavanagh 74’), Willmott, Owen (McLaggon 74’), Hulbert (Snaith 89’), Press, Bright Subs: Masrani, McLaggon(Owen 74’), Snaith (Hulbert 89’), Perrett, Lewis, Kavanagh (Patten 74’)

Pen y Bont: Lewis, Ludvigsen, Kircough, Harling, Crole, Ware (Coe 87’), Philips (Borge 87’), Woodiwiss, Jones (Wood 69’), Pritchard, Bregua (Owen 69’) Subs: Przybek, Owen (Bregua 69’), Borge (Philips 87’), Wood (Jones 69’), Twine, Coe, Florance