#JDWelshCup Barry Town United v Penybont
It’s an all Division One affair in the JD Welsh Cup as Rhys Griffiths’ men travel to Jenner Park on Saturday for a place in Round Three up for grabs.
It will be the the second of three cup games Barry Town will have played over the space of eight days after losing to Llantwit Major in the League Cup last weekend and looking ahead to the Nathaniel MG Cup game with Carmarthen Town next Tuesday.
The two sides played to a 0-0 draw in the league in Bridgend in the first month of the season.
Gavin Chesterfield has been away with the Wales U16 squad in the Victory Shield which may have hampered preparations for the fixture but responsibilities were left to his coaches to prepare the team for this week.
Barry Town United announced the signing of Former Cardiff City youngster and Cinerford Town defender Curtis Watkins. Troy Greening has been suffering with an injury that has him yet to make an appearance this season whilst Callum Sainty will be up against it if he is to play a part in the fixture.
Despite appearing for Penybont this season, Griffith will sit this one out.
Barry Town United Manager Gavin Chesterfields’ comments:
On playing Penybont earlier in the season:
“That was a while ago now and it has little relevance for this fixture. Both teams have improved since the game and both squads know each other relatively well.”
On what the Welsh Cup means for Barry:
“The Welsh Cup is a competition that means an awful lot to the club as a whole. It’s a competition that has provided some unbelievable high moments and we want to generate more good memories through our performances.”
On reaching the semi-final, losing 2-1 to Prestatyn:
“Reaching the Welsh Cup semi-final against the odds, was a proud moment, but ultimately we lost. Regardless, it was a great experience and one we hope to experience again in the future and win.”
On how the Jenner Park crowd can influence the game:
“Every team tries to make their home ground a fortress and our record at home is good. Most people would agree that Jenner Park is a special place. The support we receive is fantastic and our lads really appreciate it. Without wishing to answer a question, with a question…… if you were asking would I prefer to be at Jenner Park than any other ground? the answer would be yes.”
Penybont Manager Rhys Griffiths’ comments
On the meeting between the side earlier in the season
“Both sides will feel they should have won that game, and that they might have lost it. It would be dangerous for us to presume they will be exactly the same, although there are bits we have learnt. We have certainly improved since the beginning of the season.”
On winning the Cup
“That was a special day. The Welsh C up is a great competition that Llanelli had never won. We’d lost in a couple of semi’s in recent times, and lost in the final of 2008. I’d actually scored two and we led 2-1 after 90 minutes. We ended up losing 4-2 and I was sent off. The group we had in 2011 made it happen that year. A great group of boys.”
On what a cup-run could bring to Penybont’s season:
“A Welsh Cup tie against an excellent club like Barry, who have terrific support, will be a special occasion.”
On the threat that Marcus Griffiths and the squad offers:
“Marcus has been excellent, not just on the field, but his willingness to learn and listen. I could say the same of many players mind. The key to success is consistency, and the season is too young to judge that yet. We are certainly pleased to have Marcus, as well as the rest of the boys.”
On the transition from playing to management:
“People have always told me I would / should make the move into management, so it felt fairly natural. It helps to be at a progressive club run by good people, and most of all, have a good honest bunch of player to work with. Martyn Giles has been brilliant too.”
